THE DISCOVERER OF OZONE. 187 



to recognize in it a peculiar conditiuu of oxygen in which it is endowed with 

 special properties. 



We cannot here enumerate the many discoveries connected with this subject, 

 and still less retrace the important ste|)s that have been made in the domain of 

 chemistry and of physiology in connection with it ; we must limit ourselves to 

 the reniark that Schoenbein has contributed much to enlarge the field of science 

 in this direction, and as the names of Priestley, Scheele, and Lavoisier are men- 

 tioned in connection with the early discoveries relative to oxygen, so the name 

 of Schoenbein will always be recalled when we speak of the new form under 

 which this element appears, and the varied action, when thus changed, it pro- 

 duces upon organic and inorganic bodies. 



Among the discoveries which have rendered Schoenljcin known, even beyond 

 the scientific world, we must mention that of gun-cotton. • This substance was 

 not doomed merely to administer to the malevolent passions of men, and to play 

 adestructivepart in war, as its name Avould seem to indicate; the subsequent dis- 

 covery of Schoenbein gave it functions of a mi,)re pacific character ; a solution of 

 gun-cotton in ether forms collodion, an admiraLle dressing for wounds, and a pre- 

 cious ingredient in the art of photography. The first application of collodion as a 

 medicinal agent was made at the instance of Schoenbein by his friend, Dr. 

 Jung, of Basle. 



The tardiness that Schoenbein found in the acceptance of his ideas on their 

 first presentation was afterwards fully compensated by the approbati(jn they 

 received from all parts of the scientific world. The most distinguished philoso- 

 phers of Germany, of France, and of England adopted essentially by his views, and 

 several learned societies, among others the academies of France and Munich, 

 elected him a corresponding member. 



His manner of w^orking deserves to be noticed. However important the results 

 at which he anived, the means that he employed for obtaining them were extremely 

 simple. There is no doubt that the great progress ma.le in modern times in the 

 construction of apparatus and instruments of research has had an important influ- 

 ence on the development of science, but the investigations of Schoenbein sliow 

 us what can be effected, at least in some lives, without the aid of costly appliances. 



Schoenbein was so much occupied with his special researches that it is not 

 Surprising he did not keep entirely i)osted up in the general progress of chemistry. 

 Though he by no means confined himself exclusively to the special objects of 

 his investigations, yet he could not give to other branches that study whicli was 

 necessary to render them fully appreciated. He did not adopt the views and the 

 methods of the leading chemists of this dayj he often compared the production 

 of the varied combinati<jns of the same elements with the rotation of a kaleidoscope, 

 giving constantly new images, doulttless amusing, but not very instructive. He 

 also iretpiently compared clu;mical phenomena to a theatrical exhibition, in which 

 many regard only the denouement of the last act, while it is often in the develo[)- 

 nient of the drama that the most interesting truths are exhibited. In the judg- 

 ment which he formed of tlie ideas of other [)liihjsophers, Schoenbein may have 

 been at times somewhat prejudiced. The vivacity of his nnnd often presented to 

 him in too strong a light the defects in the coucei)tions of others, while the pre- 

 occupation of his thoughts with his o\\ n ideas left him no time to reflect upon them 

 with calmness and impartiality. 



His peculiarity as a professor will remain as a precious souvenir to many. It 

 follows, from what we have said relative to his manner of work, that his specialty 

 was not to exhibit the actual state of science and to deduce from it the various 

 theories which have been devised. The most remarkable feature of his course 

 was the ardor of ' his connection and the clearness with which he discussed his 

 favorite subjects ; it was not only instruction in science but also the love of science 

 itself that he imparted to his pupils^ and for which many among them will always 

 remem])er him with "Tatitude. 



