PREFACE OF THE AUTHOR. 



With the exception of a work* publislied ten years ago, literature 

 has as yet been wholly unrepresented by a manual of iDhyto-chemic 

 analysis. For this reason alone the above work met with a very 

 favourable reception, which moreover was doubtless enhanced by 

 the name of the author, who had for a long time been engaged in 

 researches of that particular dii'ection. My expectations on receiving 

 it were great. But although I found a considerable treasure of ex- 

 periences deposited thei'ein, I had soon to arrive at the conclusion, 

 that the course recommended by the author renders the performance 

 of a phyto-chemical analysis an extremely tiresome and slow pro- 

 cess, and one requiring a large share of patience; consequently, 

 instead of animating to attempt analyses of such kind, it rather 

 deters therefrom. Besides, the course of the analysis indicated 

 therein did not meet with my approval. 



I decided therefore, not being inexperienced myself in these 

 kinds of operations, to j)ublish the method, which I have followed 

 for many years, and which after numerous repetitions and correc- 

 tions has been proved most practical, since it is considerably 

 shorter than any other, and, I venture to say, is not less accurate. 

 By this I will not assume, that my work is not capable of im- 

 provement; indeed, I myself am striving for that incessantly still, 

 and shall gladly acknowledge any aid from anyone, who may pur- 

 sue the same objects. 



*" Anleitung zur Analyse von Pflanzen und Pflanzentheilen," von rrieclr. 

 Rochleder, Wuerzburg. 



