OF THE ORIGIN OF CHEMISTRY. 



tions. In the following pages, we fliall give a 

 ilight fketch of the firft period, trufting to the 

 mild criticifm of our gentle readers. To treat 

 of every part at large would exceed the limit* 

 tf one volume. 



II. Origin of Chemical Art** 



Tun concatenated Tories of truths on which 

 feience depends, arifes from a more frequent and 

 accurate companion of many phenomena. 

 In order to acquire this knou ledge, it is nccef- 

 lary to prepare a number of experiments and 

 observations with judgement and attention. 

 The properties of foine bodies, porhaps, were 

 known immediately; but neceflity, or the love 

 of gain and convenience, the moll powerful in- 

 citement to genius, taught their ufe and appli- 

 cation. Hence iprung arts and artificers ; but, 

 as yet, there appeared no vcftigc of true fcience. 

 Sagicif.y and fedulous invciligation were requir- 

 ed to perceive the relation of various phcnc.no- 

 n;i, and to reduce them, in fonu* mcafure un- 

 folded, to a necellary arrangement. 



We arc, however, to far from wiihing to tie- 

 tract from the merit of the tirft ditcovercrs, that 

 we contend, they were men of the grcateft in- 

 genuity ; for who will not allow, that in order to 

 ^udge truely of their claim to honour, both the 

 times in which they lived, and their fituations, 

 A 3 njufl. 



