452 Oil Chemical Philosophy. 



I be still more particular ; for it is not enough to state In ge- 

 neral terms i/iat changes and pheenomenn differ not in kind lui 

 in degree ; nut in the power producing them, but in the vatvn; 

 and circiitmianfies of its actions. It is not enough (until such 

 ideas become familarized) merely to say that, in consequence 

 of the solvent properties which this power lias for substances, 

 varying in each species of matter, this variety and these cii- 

 cumstances must modify its actions, and of course occasion 

 effects and phaenomena as infinitely varied as these circumstani es 

 and substances are themselves. We must be still more minute; 

 for, not duly considering these modifying causes, there have bee ii 

 introduced a number of powers and agencies in creation, to 

 which very opposite and dissimilar properties have been assigned, 

 in order either to account for the differences in the phaenomena. 

 or as descriptive of some peculiar effects and appearances them- 

 selves, which, though they may have been useful in exciting con- 

 troversy, stimulating inquiry, and accumulating an immense mass 

 of facts and experiments, have not vet taught us the general 

 principles of science or knowledge, or simplified our views of 

 nature, — the grand aim of philosophy, an aim at once noble, 

 elevating and sublime. So far indeed from this having been the 

 case, — so far from the mode hitherto adopted having led us tt* 

 " this consummation so devoutly to be wishea" — it seems to lue 

 to labour mightily for the purpose of preventing such a glorious 

 end. Yet 1 am convinced, all the phaenomena and effects, and 

 even particular anomalies and ditficulties which exist in science, 

 according to any other view with which I am acquainted, are 

 not only at once explained on the principles I have stated; but 

 that without them objections and difficulties present themselves 

 every where around me which I cannot remove ; so much so, 

 that I know not what more is wanting to add to my conviction, 

 that this theory is copied from the grand book of nature. That I 

 wish this the case I am certain : on all subjects the possession cl 

 truth has ever been my object; — let us assist each other in such 

 a pursuit ; let us be regardless of the credit of the discovery, while 

 we are anxious for the possession of truth. We must see but 

 one object of pursuit, if we wish light to occupy the regions ot 

 intellect, and direct their efforts. We must study nature, and 

 not the fluctuating fashion of opinion, if we expect to arrive at 

 truth. We must not be swayed by the voice of praise or of 

 blame. We must not be deterred by the passions and prejudices 

 of men. We must sacrifice what labour aud habit have endeared 

 and entwined round the heart. We must be able to feel, to 

 think, and to stand alone ; then, and not till then, shall tht 

 leign of truth commence, and banish error and vice from the 

 world, 



LXXIV. On 



