METHODOLOGICAL INTRODUCTION, 



THE application of Chemistry to the elucidation of physiolo- 

 gical and pathological processes has been so universally admitted 

 during the last ten years, that it would appear almost superfluous 

 to commence this work with any observations on the importance of 

 this science. While at no very remote period we had occasion to 

 defend this recent department of chemical science from the 

 attacks and unfavourable criticisms called forth by its injudicious 

 application, and by the numerous misconceptions which characterized 

 its early development, we are now almost constrained to withhold 

 from it the confidence which has been too liberally awarded it. 

 Enthusiasm in the cause of organic chemistry has degenerated 

 amongst many physiologists and physicians into a fanaticism, 

 which, even in the best cause, tends to invalidate a host of truths 

 in its endeavours to uphold some single fact. We might be dis- 

 posed to ask, whether its most zealous partisans have not retarded 

 rather than accelerated the period at which it will attain its proper 

 share of appreciation, and its just recognition. In commencing, 

 therefore, the subject of physiological chemistry, nothing is more 

 important than clearly to understand the nature of the results 

 which this department of science is now capable of yielding, and 

 the requirements which, in its present stage of development, it fulfils; 

 and to ascertain the course, the means, and the methods most likely 

 to lead us safely within its domain, and at the same time the 

 best adapted to promote its further progress. 



In entering upon this subject, it may not be altogether unpro- 

 fitable to begin by indicating the numerous errors into which 

 those most zealous in their endeavours to elucidate physiology and 

 medicine, have occasionally been led by chemical theories and 

 enquiries. These errors appear to us to have diverged in three 



