Meeting of the British Association, 221 



Undoubtedly there are cogent reasons wliicli induce many of 

 our able chemists to double the equivalents of carbon and oxygen, 

 and they are well worthy of the calm and deliberate consideration 

 of a meeting like this. Such an alteration would produce an im- 

 mense change on the literature of the science, and should only 

 be adopted if the benefit to be derived from it is proved to be so 

 great as to justify the inconvenience. This subject will be brought 

 before the Section on more than one occasion. The change pro- 

 posed has, in a great measure resulted from the new views of the 

 classification of organic compounds introduced by Gerhardt. The 

 recent brilliant progress in organic chemistry has resulted in the 

 discovery of a vast number of new compounds. A scheme of 

 classification became urgently necessary for them, and the genius 

 of that great French Chemist produced a system which has exert- 

 ed a most important influence on the advancement of science. 

 The comprehensive system planted by Gerhardt has been carefully 

 watered and tended by our countrymen, Williamson, Hunt, Ode- 

 ling, and Brodie — watered until the young plant has attained a 

 most vigorous growth. In a report upon the state of organic che- 

 mistry, by one of these gentlemen, we shall have the advantage of 

 tracing its effect on the advance of science. Another of our 

 members who admires the beauty of the plant, and the excellence 

 of the fruit it has borne, fears that it is growing too wildly, and 

 that the pruning knife might be adopted with advantage. He, 

 therefore, proposes for our consideration in a paper which will be 

 laid before you some modifications of the system of classifying 

 compounds now so prevalent. With the array of talent in our 

 sections, enlisted in favour of Gerhardt's system, there will be full 

 justice rendered to the merits of that lamented philosopher in any 

 discussion which may follow the reading of the paper to which I 

 allude. In conclusion, I have to congratulate the meeting upon 

 the important muster of English Chemists in our Section; al- 

 though we have at the same time to regret that our cold northern 

 position has prevented our foreign colleagues from joining us and 

 enjoying that welcome which the warm hearts of our countrymen 

 would assuredly have accorded to them. — Cited from the London 

 Athenceum. 



