182 Dr. Mare and M. Berzelius on certain points 



merit of the constitution of the oxysalts (which applies equally 

 to the sulphosalts and others) : but as to myself, I have a 

 thorough conviction, that there is therein, something more than 

 a vague speculation ; since it unfolds to us an internal analogy 

 in phaenomena, which, agreeably to the perception of our 

 senses, are externally analogous. If these phaenomena are to be 

 considered agreeably to the ideas of Mr. De Bondsdorff, how 

 does it happen that sulphur, phosphorus, arsenic, and other 

 radicals of the strongest oxacids, when united with chlorine, 

 bromine, iodine, &c, do not combine with the chlorides *, 

 bromides, &c, of the metals of the alkalies and of the earths ; 

 whilst the chloride and bromide of potassium combine easily 

 with those of magnesium, iron, and manganese ? Should then 

 the chloride of magnesium, or that of manganese, be a stronger 

 acid than the chloride of sulphur, or chloride of phosphorus? 

 How is it consistent with these ideas that we can obtain cry- 

 stallized salts as well with as without water, of combination, 

 composed of chloride of calcium and of oxalate, or of acetate 

 of lime? Should the oxysalt be here the acid, or the base? 

 I have now displayed to you, the considerations which have 

 guided me, and which I think are not destitute of foundation. 



I cheerfully admit that it would be preferable to employ the 

 word chlorohydric, instead of hydrochloric. My motive for 

 retaining this last, is, that I have ventured to propose a new 

 nomenclature in a language foreign to me, in which it was 

 inexpedient to make changes, which could be avoided without 

 inconvenience. I also agree with you, that we ought not to 

 use combustible and oxidable, as having the same meaning. 

 I have deserved your strictures for this inconsistency in my 

 language; but I must suggest as an apology, that the two words 

 were formerly used as synonymous, and that the work, in 

 which you have recently noticed this oversight, was first pub- 

 lished in 1806, having been from time to time remoulded for 

 new editions, without its having been possible to eradicate all 

 that has not kept pace with the progress of science. 



Accept the assurance of my perfect esteem, and of the senti- 

 ments of sincere friendship with which I have the honour to 

 be, Yours, &c. 



An Examination, by the Author of this Article, of the Sugges- 

 tions in the preceding Letter of Berzelius, and how far the 

 Objections made to his Nomenclature are therein answered. 



So far as my strictures were founded on the alleged diffi- 



* I have translated chlorure, fluorure, bromure, by chloride, fluoride, 

 and bromide, agreeably to the practice of the British chemists. 



