The Eighteenth Century 193 



However, research was hampered by inadequate instruments and 

 crude methods, as well as by the general level of scientific knowl- 

 edge. The eighteenth century was mainly important in outlining 

 the problems, in anticipation of the intense attack of better equipped 

 workers during the next century. As far as luminescence is con- 

 cerned, the eighteenth century may be looked upon as effecting the 

 transition from a point of view rather mysterious and obscure, to 

 one which may justly be described as rational and enlightened. 



