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Of the STRENGTH of ACIDS, and the PROPORTION of 
INGREDIENTS in NEUTRAL SALTS. By RICHARD 
KIRWAN, Ey; F.R.S. and M.R.I. A. 
Tur fcience of nature undoubtedly owes its origin folely 
to obfervation and experiment. But when it hath made a cer- 
tain progrefs, the knowledge already acquired becomes a pow- 
erful inftrument for making ftill greater advances. This is 
evident in the chemical as well as in the mechanical branches 
of this fcience. Hence its cultivation prefents a double object, 
viz. either the application of the powers already gained to the 
arts fubfervient to human ufes, or the improvement of the 
inftrumentality or power itfelf by which fuch difcoveries are 
effeGted. The merit of the former, if fuccefsful, is undoubtedly 
the moft apparent and ftriking; but that of the latter is no lefs 
folid, and the neceflary procefles infinitely more delicate. The 
fuccefs of the former is often due to chance, the defign of the 
latter is, to, diminifh ‘and finally to annihilate all dependence on 
chance. In chemical refearches, all difcoveries, not merely. for- 
Ba tuitous, 
Read Dec. 
24) 1790. 
