534 POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



This was the case with the first works for the distillation of tar, 

 as well as with the coal-tar color factories. Tar was not distilled 

 and split up into its various component parts according to principles 

 which were founded on rational and exact chemical research, the dif- 

 ferent hydrocarbons thus obtained were not nitrated, reduced, sulphon- 

 ated, condensed, etc., in order to be converted into intermediary prod- 

 ucts and dyestuffs by processes discovered by the scientific investigator. 

 These operations were executed by the rule of thumb, by men who 

 had been engaged in kindred industries, in metallurgical works, in dye- 

 houses, or in pharmacies or drug houses. These men worked in mere 

 sheds, with vessels which for the most part were taken from the kitchen. 

 There were no chemists ; there were no laboratories. If it became 

 necessary to analyze the inorganic crude materials which were used 

 in the manufacture, it was done in a remote dark corner of the factory 

 by so-called chemists, who were only educated in analytical schools. 

 Instant dismissal was the penalty at that time imposed upon any 

 chemist who dared to enter any of the rooms where the manufacturing 

 was going on, to try to familiarize himself with the processes for the 

 preparation of various products. The supervision was exercised by 

 so-called practical men, who were ignorant even of the simplest prin- 

 ciples of scientific chemistry, who derived their methods for the manu- 

 facture from mechanical experiments and who kept the formulae a deep 

 secret, just as the alchemists concealed their receipts for the art of 

 making gold. 



Meanwhile Liebig had shown by his work in the laboratory in the 

 quiet and far-away Giessen, by lectures and publications, what im- 

 portant treasures could be found in all branches of agriculture and 

 industry by scientifically educated chemists well trained in laboratory 

 methods, in analyses and syntheses of chemical bodies. He had shown 

 that a knowledge of general chemistry and of its scientific principles 

 and practical methods enabled men to advance all branches of the 

 industries. 



Liebig 's staff of excellent pupils made their way to all quarters 

 of the globe to disseminate his ideas and to assist agriculture and the 

 industries. The light of scientific research kindled by Liebig pene- 

 trated all branches of industry. It pierced into the darkest factory 

 rooms which were guarded with many secret locks, and more and more 

 the truth of Liebig 's teaching became recognized, that agriculture and 

 the industries would accomplish undreamed of results, if scientifically 

 educated chemists were employed in all branches and were permitted 

 to exercise control of all methods. 



In consequence thereof we now see that these large factories, devoted 

 to the chemical industries which have drawn into their circle the man- 

 ufacture of all the heavy chemicals, the production of the intermediary 



