91 
He remarked also upon the article on the geology of 
Vancouyer’s and Queen Charlotte’s Islands, as affording 
further proof of the views that he had presented, [these 
Proc., p. 79], of the Cretaceous age of the lignites found in 
those islands, and in much of our Western territory. 
Dr. H. C. Bouton read the following paper :* 
Notes on the Early Literature of Chemistry, (Abstract.) 
The first mention of Chemistry. The word chemistry first 
occurs in an astrological manuscript of the 4th century, A. D., 
by Julius Maternus Firmicus, and usually known under the 
title Afathesis, Writing of the position of the moon in the 
heavens, and of its influence on the nativity of individuals, 
Firmicus says; “ If the moon stands in the house of Saturn, 
the newly-born will be devoted to the science of chemistry 
(or alchemy).” Of the meaning attached to the word chemis- 
try at this early date, we have no definite knowledge. 
The earliest Chemical Manuscript. The most ancient MS. 
treating of chemical operations, is supposed to be a Greek 
papyrus of the 3d century, preserved in the library of the 
University of Leyden. It is described in Eopp’s Beitrize. 
The first Dictionary of Chemical Terms. Several “ vocabula- 
ries of the sacred art,” are preserved in the National Library 
at Paris. They are probably of the 15th century, and their 
definitions are very obscure. 
The first Text-book of Chemistry. Libavius’ “ Alchymia,” 
published at Frankfort, in 1595, is generally regarded as the 
first work on chemistry worthy of being called a text-book. 
It forms a medium-sized folio, handsomely printed, and 
abounds in curious woodcuts and enigmatical plates. 
The first Chemical Periodical. If we exclude journals in 
which chemical memoirs are only incidentally contained, the 
‘‘ Journal de Physique,” by the Abbé Rozier, is perhaps the 
first periodical devoted to physics, chemistry, and kindred 
sciences. This journal was begun in 1771, and continued by 
various editors until 1822. | 
The first History of Chemistry, was written by Olaus 
Borrichius, and is entitled, “De ortu et progressu Chemiae,” 
published at Copenhagen in 1668. The author accepts the 
fables of the Alchemists. 
* Published in fuli in the American Chemist, Vol. IV, p. 241. 
