SgS On Animal Fluids. 



stanccR of adequate quantities. In chemistry> I consider 

 illustration by examples to be superfluous. Physic t'ur- 

 nislies new iliustiaiions analo2;ous to the question under 

 discussion. Sydenham without chemistry, with seemingly 

 little of anatomy and physiology, as well as oF natural 

 history, has meritedly the credit ot one of the greatest 

 Improvers: — if he could acquire so much without these 

 auxiliaries, it appears dccording to all reason that by means 

 of them much more would have been acliieved. I niight, 

 however, exemplify the ailvantages for which I am con- 

 tending by the conduct ot Dr. Marcel himself. It appears 

 that he performed the analysis of two animal fluids, ot the 

 component ingredients of v\hich he has given an account, 

 to the one hundredth part of a grain, without finding potash 

 in any slate. Subsequently, however, this alkali was de- 

 tected iu other animal fluids, the author's attention being 

 directed, as he is pleased to say, by my published paper, and 

 by my conversations. Whether otherwise Dr. M. woul5 

 have found the potash, I must not determine. Notwith- 

 standing the sneering remark of his ounce or two of drop- 

 sical fluids being in competition with my " two or three 

 pounds of "ropy sputum," I should be viry unreasonable 

 if J were not, after this practical proof of the inadequacy of 

 Dr. M.'s method, tobewell contented. I i' however, instead 

 of treading the piimrose path of the new microscopic school, 

 he had condescended and submitied to the task of labour- 

 ing in '* the dismal, large, subterraneous laboratory ;" if, I 

 say, he had been there employed, instead ot in dalliance at 

 " the fireside of his comjoi table study," it did not require 

 his talents to have done much more than nearly confirm 

 the results of my experiments on animal &ul)siances. If 

 top I can sec the future in the instant, it will be only by 

 experiments on very large quantities of the animal fluids 

 that discoveries can be effected of more of their impreg- 

 nating ingredients ; on account of the very minute propor- 

 tions in which they exist. 



Dr. Marcel thinks it worth while to disclaim his me- 

 moir as the joint work of Dr. Wollaslon and himself. I 

 cannot have the smallest objection: indeed, by this I gain 

 strength on my side ; for the demand of justice alone com- 

 pelled me to consider this writing as I have done. I must, 

 however, be allowed to cite a single passage in justification. 

 Besides the advantages from Dr. Wollaston's writings and 

 conversations. Dr. Marcet owns " his kind personal assist- 

 unce in this and other iinnlar inqriiries." 



1 am accused of the 'unwarrantable license of "quoting 



in 



