1866.] Hofmann and Modern Chemistry. 69 
names of the men who were educated within its walls, and who 
have aided the progress of the science, it will be admitted that it 
has exerted a powerful influence on Modern Chemistry. 
In proof of this, we have but to refer to the list of chemists 
who have worked with Dr. Hofmann at the Royal College of 
Chemistry, at different periods, from its opening in 1845 to the 
present date, and who entertained him at a farewell banquet imme- 
diately before his departure for Berlin. The names of Abel, 
Church, Crookes, De la Rue, Nicholson, Odling, Perkins, figure here.* 
Beyond this gathering we remember those of Bloxam, Noad, 
Galloway, and several others who have made for themselves posi- 
tions in the world of science. 
Amongst those who contributed towards the funds for the es- 
tablishment of the College of Chemistry were many who desired 
some substantial return for their money in the form of lectures, 
soirées, analyses, &.; and not receiving those, such contributors 
withdrew their support. This rendered the financial position of the 
College for a period doubtful; but it ultimately emerged from all 
difficulties, through the devotion of a few faithful friends, whose 
names should be held in honour. Sir James Clarke, the late Lord 
Ashburton, Mr. Warren De la Rue, the late Mr. Dalrymple, and 
Dr. Bence Jones, stood in the first rank; and their efforts were 
supported by the determination of Prince Albert not to shrink from 
any sacrifice for the sake of consolidating the school which he had 
founded. While referring to this period of difficulty, it is pleasant 
to quote the words of Mr. Warren De la Rue as Chairman at the 
Banquet already referred to. 
“Some of us know that the ability of the promoters to perform 
their part of the arrangement fell very far short of their antici- 
pations, the very existence of the College being in fact in danger, 
and that Dr. Hofmann voluntarily gave up in succession—first, a 
portion of his salary, then his share of the student’s fees, and lastly 
his house. Yet during this trying period he never, in the slightest 
degree, relaxed his efforts to establish the reputation of the College, 
He not only gave up the money which was his due, but, out of his 
extreme devotion to the educational objects of the College, abandoned 
for some years what to a German savant is of still greater import- 
ance, his original scientific investigations.” 
This statement is essentially important as showing the firmness 
of faith and purpose in Dr. Hofmann, who never for one moment 
lost hope in the ultimate success of the Institution which he was 
directing. 
In 1849, Dr. Hofmann was elected a Member of the Chemical 
** Farewell Banquet to Dr. Hofmann.’ A pamphlet record of this event, printed 
by Clowes & Sons, 
