1866. | Synthetical Chemistry. 39 
several oils and fats similar to animal and vegetable oils; and 
now we will conclude this hasty glance at the synthesis of organic 
compounds by a brief reference to the substance Leucine, which 
has been found to characterize the tissues of the spleen, liver, 
kidneys, &c., of the mammalia. 
We have already described the synthesis of vinic alcohol, and 
stated that Mendius converted that liquid into amylic alcohol, by 
treatment with cyanogen compounds and hydrogen. Now, if this 
amylic alcohol be carefully oxydized, it is converted into “ Valerianic 
aldehyde.” Another substance which may be prepared by synthetical 
chemistry from nitrogen, carbon, and potash, is cyanide of potassium ; 
from this the well-known prussiate of potash is obtainable, and 
from prussiate of potash we easily procure the equally well-known 
substance, prussic acid. 
When vyalerianic aldehyde, obtained synthetically, is treated 
with prussic acid (similarly prepared), the desired synthetized 
product, Leucine, is a result of the combination. 
Thus, then, we see that organic substances yielded by plants, 
and others by animals, may be easily produced by synthetical 
chemistry from other compounds, of a kind more nearly approach- 
ing the products of inorganic nature, whilst these may themselves 
be synthetized from what we term the chemical elements. 
But ewt bono? will be the natural and inevitable question, to 
which it is always necessary now-a-days to give a prompt and 
satisfactory reply, otherwise synthetical chemistry will rank but 
one grade above alchemy and astrology. There need, however, 
be no difficulty in pointing out the immense benefits to mankind, 
which are sure to accrue from the practical study of this infant 
science. The advantages of being served with a compound of 
amylic alcohol and acetic acid when one goes into a shop to 
purchase essence of pears, or with a similarly prepared compound 
as a substitute for essence of pine-apples, may not be quite obvious 
to every one, and much as we may admire the ability of the 
chemist who manages to cheat our very senses, we cannot help 
avowing a preference for the genuine products of nature. 
There are, however, organic substances used in the arts, for 
which the demand ig becoming so large, that unless the manu- 
facturing chemist steps in to the rescue, they will be placed beyond 
the reach of ordinary consumers; and as every day witnesses an 
increase in the number of such substances that may be synthetically 
prepared, it is impossible even to discuss the probable boundary 
within which the unpretending researches of the laboratory are to 
be confined. At present the application of the science in the 
direction here pointed out appears unlimited. But there is a 
question at issue of far greater moment than the tickling of the 
