332 Remarks on Chemical Theory, and on 
mitted as such, to be ultimately reduced to two, (which is 
physically possible)—and although it is self evident that 
_ there cannot be fewer than two elements ;—still it is clear- 
ly possible that the two which appear to be elements, may 
be in their turn, decomposed—each may contain one new 
body and one before known or possibly each may consist 
of two new bodies, and these again may contain each one 
new body or more; and thus, when the subject has appar- 
ently reached the point of greatest simplicity, it may again 
more complex and ultimately carry the enquirer 
farther ancdece from the desired result.* This is one great 
reason why the researches of chemistry are boundless. 
Another is, that independently of our theoretical views as 
to the number and nature of the elements, we can never 
know when we have formed every possible combination 5 
the progress of chemistry has constantly evinced that com- 
pounds are produced which, as we have every reason to be- 
ove, exist kaso where i in males mean not a few of them are 
tet aang 2 other science ; immense activity has been 
erted in its various departments and a great number of in- 
genio and able men, spread over all enlightened countries, 
ve been andstillare constantly occupied i in its numer ons 
diversified iy ce - Fi 
a has. 
