74 Hofmann and Modern Chemistry. [Jan., 
meet some of the expenses, of this inquiry. The Royal Society 
also awarded to Dr. Hofmann their Royal Medal on the completion 
of the investigation. In rapid succession the fortunate experimenter 
became a Correspondent of the Institnte of France (which conferred 
upon him moreover the great prize, value 5,000 francs), and of 
nearly all the academies and learned societies of Europe and 
America. 
During the period between Dr. Hofmann’s becoming Professor 
of Chemistry in the Royal School of Mines and his return to his 
native country, numerous researches were carried forward and 
records of them published; amongst others may be especially 
named his ‘Memours on the Phosphorous Bases and the Polyam- 
monias.’* 
This is a bald outline of the treasures added by Dr. Hofmann 
to the rich harvest of discoveries which of late years have rewarded 
the exertions of chemists. With reference to their general effect on 
the progress of the science, we cannot avoid recognizing, as one 
of the most valuable amongst its acquisitions, the development 
of the theory of polyatomic compounds. The names of other great 
chemists are of course associated with the advances which have 
been made; and in confining our notice to the labours of Dr. Hof- 
mann, it must not be supposed that they have been forgotten. We 
have been writing, not a history of modern chemistry, but a concise 
statement of the part which one man has taken in this fertile field 
of discovery. 
Beyond the inquiries to which we have referred, we find Dr, 
Hofmann engaged in many others of a strictly practical nature.t 
As a juror Dr. Hofmann heartily co-operated in the three Inter- 
national Exhibitions, and the reports which he furnished are gene- 
rally valued. It is not easy to conceive anything more complete, 
* The Memoirs which have appeared since this period in the ‘ Philosophical 
Transactions’ are :—- 
“ Researches on the Action of Sulphuric Acid upon the Amides and Nitrites, 
together with Remarks upon the Conjugate Sulpho-Acids,” June 12,1856. In this 
paper Mr. George Buckton is associated with Dr. Hofmann. 
“ Researches on a New Class of Alcohols,” June 18, 1857. Vol. exlvii., p. 555. 
In this Dr. Hofmann is associated with A. Cahours. 
“Researches on the Phosphorus Bases,’ June 18, 1857. Vol. exlvii.. p. 575. 
“ Contributions to the History of the Phosphorus Bases.” First Memoir. 
Ditto. ditto. 
“Theory of Diatomic Bases—Diphosphonium Compounds. 
Ditto ditto. 
“ Phosphammonium and Phospharsonium et Diarsonium and;Third Memoir. 
Arsammonium Compounds,” June 22,1860. Vol. cl., p. 409 et seq. 
+ Hofmann and Graham—“ Report on the Alleged Adulteration of Pale Ale by 
Strychnine.”’ 
Hofmann, Graham, and Redwood—* Report upon ‘ Original Gravities. 
Hofmann, Graham, and Miller—‘‘ Chemical Report on the Supply of Water to 
the Metropolis.” 
Hofmann and Witt—* Report on the Metropolitan Sewage Question.” 
»} Second Memoir. 
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