PROGRESS OF HUMAN KNOWLEDGE. 9 



synthesis are the two great functions of the science, 

 and thus only can these functions be rendered effective. 

 In its present state, and irrespectively of ulterior results 

 almost certain in prospect, chemistry is the most won- 

 derful exponent of the power of experiment in giving 

 man access to the inner secrets of nature and those 

 laws which govern the material elements around us. 

 Organic chemistry, especially in its synthetic part, has 

 justly been called a system of atomic architecture. 

 Working by the most refined processes of addition, ab- 

 straction, and substitution of atoms of different kinds, 

 but ever in definite proportions of weight or measure 

 the chemist has been able to elaborate and arrange, 

 in determinate series, numerous products either wholly 

 new or created heretofore only by the hidden work- 

 Ings of organic life. Eecently these secret processes 

 have themselves been brought into partial subjection ; 

 and, starting from the same simple elements with which 

 Nature works, the chemist obtains in his laboratory a 

 long series of substances, identical in type and com- 

 position with the products of animal and vegetable life. 

 This may be ranked among the greatest achievements 

 of modern science. It is due to experiment as the 

 instrument of research experiment so elaborate and 

 refined, that its mere methods become a science,, irre- 

 spectively of the results attained. 



Analysis, though not exercising this creative power, 

 signally attests in its present exactness the progress of 

 experimental science. Quantities and proportions be- 

 fore inappreciable are now brought into strict account ; 

 and, what is yet more worthy of note, new methods of 



