184 JVfr. Maffey on Saltpetre. 
flattered myfelf, that thefe matters would be 
deemed fufficiently important, to engage the 
attention of the learned members of this Society. 
Inftances too frequently occur, that mod: power¬ 
fully call for the generofity and companion of 
mankind; and though our abilities rarely arrive 
at the divine perfection of giving fight to the blind , 
we fhall always experience a confcious bene¬ 
volent fatisfadion, in miniderins to their know-? 
ledge, their convenience and happinefs. 
A TREATISE ON SALTPETRE, 
By James Massey, Efq. 
----fx quid novifti redtius iftis 
Candidus Imperti, fi non his utere mecuai. 
INTRODUCTORY OBSERVATIONS. 
f T'HE great importance of Saltpetre, fince the 
invention of gun-powder, is too well known 
to be here expatiated upon, as well as the nu¬ 
merous rewards that have been offered to thofe 
who fhoulc! give us the cleared and bed accounts 
of it; a fure fign that, notwithdanding it has 
been 
