538 Mr. Stephens on the Lifiuence of Chemistry ^ S^c. pVlAlrJ 



tension which leaves hira in doubt which most to admire, his 

 profound sagacity, incessant industry, or engaging modesty. 

 With such patterns in view, he will be in no danger of descend- 

 ing to boasting, mystery, or any of the shallow expedients 

 resorted to by those who thus endeavour to conceal their igno- 

 rance. He will observe that the best informed men are ever the 

 most ready to publish their disappointments and mistakes, and 

 save to others that time which they had themselves lost. 



Perhaps the most valuable result attending the pursuit of 

 chemistry is the strong incentive it creates in the pupil to pos- 

 sess himself of a respectable share of knowledge of the several 

 sciences closely connected with it. Geometry will enable him 

 to enter clearly into the important study of crystallography. 

 When he understands algebra thoroughly, he knows he will be 

 able to pursue the intricacies of the atomic theory. Mineralogy, 

 from whence he derives his chief materials, has peculiar attrac- 

 tions, and strong claims on his notice. Geology is so interwoven 

 with the latter science that his knowledge of either is not com- 

 plete till he has attained both. 



He already possesses the key to medicine, agriculture, and the 

 various arts and manufactures, whose materials and products 

 constantly form the subject of his investigations. In any or all 

 of these, he may acquire pleasing and profitable information, by 

 pursuing the plan already found to be indispensible in chemistry, 

 attending to one thing at once. 



Thus it appears that this favoured science, liberal, accurate, 

 and extensive, is also the true foundation of many arts and 

 sciences indispensible to our well being ; and when we further 

 reflect on the valuable course of mental exercise which it pecu- 

 liarly induces, we may justly award it a high rank on the list of 

 knowledge essential to a libei'al education. 



To conclude, the chemist possesses advantages over the mem- 

 ters of nearly every other profession, and the students of most 

 other sciences ; he need never want pleasing occupation. He 

 claims a subject in every thing he can touch. He need not 

 travel in search of interesting materials to act upon, he cannot 

 travel beyond their reach. He has the power of befnending all 

 men ; for none can attain a station which will place them above 

 the want of chemical information. He feels an interest in every 

 conversation, from the most trivial to the most profound ; from 

 the composition of the painted cup, or of the social beverage it 

 contains, to the effects of that powerful agent which, directed by 

 the genius of Watt, is rapidly changing the state of the civilized 

 world. 



