172 On the Atomic Theory. 



pei'iments which were first made by me, and which helped verv' 

 materially to illustrate the atomic theorv or definite propor- 

 tions, without the smallest reference to the author. I will ad- 

 duce one, viz. the firing of oxygen and sulphuretted hydrogen 

 bv means of the electric spark, and the ascertaining of the pro- 

 ducts, &c. 



In giving an history of the progress of the antiphlogistic theory 

 and of the memorable contest which was carried on between the 

 two sects of philosophers, he does not even glance at my Com- 

 parative View, which according to himself, in one of his Journals, 

 operated so conspicuously and decisively against the arguments 

 of my illustrious friend Kirwan. In giving an account of elec- 

 trical phaenomena, he passes over my hypothesis on that subject, 

 although he adduces less probable ones of many other writers ; 

 and in his Account of Meteoric Stones, although I analysed one 

 which fell in this kingdom j and although I advanced a new doc- 

 trine agreeal)le to my hypothesis of electrical phaenomena, re- 

 specting the cause of their ignition, &;c. he never once mentions 

 my views. I could enumerate many more facts; but a sufficient 

 number have been adduced to show a rooted prejudice, and a 

 degree of glaring injustice not to be equalled in the history of 

 any science. But the Doctor having, unfortunately to himself, 

 commenced with his prejudices, he must persist; although we 

 find him contradicting himself on many other occasions. A com- 

 piler of a science is an historian in that department, and he 

 should detail his facts faithfully and impartially; he should not 

 attempt to shove aside one experimenter, and to bring forward, 

 another of less pretensions ; he should not attempt to suppress 

 the labours of one man in order to confer them on his favourites. 

 When a compiler deviates from those principles, he injures his 

 readers, the science, and ultimately himself. 



The Doctor, it is true, was generous enough to allow me a few 

 facts ; facts so insulated or so detached from the important ob- 

 jects to which they belonged in my system, that they appear 

 singly of little or no consequence. To make use of the expres- 

 sion of a learned acquaintance of mine, " The Doctor extin- 

 guished your great lights, and furnished you with the feeble glim- 

 mer of a rush-light." 



I am, sir. 



Your obedietit humble servant, 

 Dublin, Feb. 4, 1818. WiLLlAM HiGGINS. 



XXIX. Mr 



