16 INTRODUCTION. 



has the true amulet of power knowledge. 

 Surely the philosopher's stone, if it were a real 

 existence, would prove a poor possession con- 

 trasted with the riches placed at our command 

 by this science. 



The instructive example has now been set 

 before us of a science almost fruitless, and 

 unproductive, when applied to base and un- 

 worthy ends, becoming, when directed to its 

 legitimate objects, an inexhaustible source of 

 blessing to mankind. It is an instance too 

 striking to be lightly passed by, of the really 

 withering consequences of a persistence in oppo- 

 sition to the wise and merciful ordinances of the 

 " Creator of the ends of the earth," and of the 

 truly valuable results which flow from using law- 

 fully the knowledge given to us by the Author 

 'and Giver of every good and perfect gift. 



It has been thought useful to present this 

 short sketch of the origin and progress of 

 chemistry up to the present time, in order that 

 it may be seen what a tide of ignorance and 

 folly flowed over, and concealed that know- 

 ledge of the chemistry of natural things, which, 

 as gradually developed by modern experimen- 

 ters, we are now enjoying. The poor alchemist, 

 or he who ran after the phantom of an immor- 

 tal-life-bestowing liquid, while skilled in the 

 chemistry of the metals and in the preparation 

 of purely chemical substances, was absolutely 

 ignorant of the chemistry of nature. He could 

 not have told us why his fire burned, still less 

 could he have even guessed at the exquisite 

 chemistry of a blade of grass. He knew not 

 why the wind blew or the rain fell ; and was 



