Life and Wri lings of Berselius. 11 



Berzelius never published a theory which did not rest on 

 facts, and was corroborated by long experience. It is not 

 long since we witnessed numerous discussions on theoretical 

 views ; but the illustrious Swede considered a theoretical idea 

 as definitive when it had once been adaiitted into science, 

 unless it was overthrown by the force of indisputable facts. 

 In chemistry, Berzelius opposed many speculative theories, 

 which he admitted, notwithstanding, to be ingenious ; but he 

 gave a preference to older opinions, until new results were 

 found to have a tendency to strengthen them. If some of 

 his own opinions are not adopted by all chemists, this must 

 be ascribed to his excessive caution and circumspection. In 

 a science entirely founded on experiment, this reserve may 

 prevent the admission of a true idea, but, on the other hand, 

 it very seldom leads to error. When he commenced his 

 labours at Upsal, the whole science consisted of a mass of 

 crude theories soldered together, and hasty attempts were 

 made to fill up the most obvious voids by fanciful notions 

 having no resemblance to truth. These were the gi'eatest 

 obstacles he had to overcome ; and hence arose the repug- 

 nance he always shewed for that mania for theories, which, 

 usurping the place of true philosophy, has built hypothesis 

 on hypothesis, and given the name of science to resiilts which 

 are nothing less than absurd. It would not, however, be 

 quite right to say that Berzelius too much depreciated inves- 

 tigations of a purely theoretical kind ; but from this ten- 

 dency, although carried a little too far, this important advan- 

 tage arose, that when Berzelius adopted a theory it might 

 be considered as resting on a secure foundation. 



This circumspection has often exposed him to severe re- 

 proach, and yet it was attended with excellent results for 

 science ; for no theoretical idea could be introduced into 

 chemistry with impunity, when there was such an authority 

 to discuss it in all its bearings, and thus test its real value. 

 Without wishing to find fault with the meritorious efforts of 

 those who have endeavoured to introduce new ideas into the 

 science, we nevertheless think that Berzelius has done more 

 by his cautious and analytical spirit, than the greater part of 

 those who have adopted new ideas without previous examina- 



