662 BERZELIUS ON THE COMPOSITION OF 
that it is composed of oxalic acid combined with oxamide as a 
conjunct. This is its rational composition, and 
C? 0? + NH?, C? 0? 
is its rational formula. 
The rational composition of bodies is the highest problem of 
organie chemistry; but it has only been solved satisfactorily, 
up to the present time, in the case of a very limited number of 
organic bodies, notwithstanding it has been the object of all the 
exertions of those who have occupied themselves with organic 
chemistry. In endeavouring to ascertain the rational composi- 
tion of bodies, the greatest caution in drawing conclusions must 
be combined with the soundest judgement, and it is impossible 
to make use of too manifold means of proof. Science suffers, 
and will long suffer, from rational formule, which, invented by 
a lively imagination, have no other proof of their correctness 
than that they do not actually contradict the result of analysis. 
For when this latter corresponds to a number of rational formule, 
nothing can be proved from it. What I am about to bring forward 
in the following pages will clearly show how science is led astray 
and put into confusion by hasty and unfounded conclusions. 
Although the composition of organic bodies, at the first 
glance, appears to be altogether different from that of the in- 
organic, yet what we know of the latter is the only unerring 
guide which we possess to enable us to form an opinion upon 
the former. In exploring the unknown, our only safe plan is to 
support ourselves upon the known. This must also be the right 
way here, and what we already know concerning the laws of 
combination which regulate inorganic nature, must be taken as 
a guide in judging the modes of combination in organic nature. 
Every other mode of procedure allows fuli scope to fancy, which, 
varying only with the inventive faculties of the individual, is al- 
ways ready to build new castles in the air. It is thus that num- 
berless different views are set up, and varied in all kinds of ways, 
no one following the same rule as the other, they cross and 
contradict each other in all directions; and this will continue, 
until we are all agreed by what rule the formation of our judge- 
ment should be guided. I therefore repeat, that the application 
of that which is already or can hereafter be known concerning the 
laws of combination amongst elementary bodies in inorganic na- 
ture, is the only guide to our researches concerning their mode of 
combination in organic nature; that by this means alone we can 
