THE FIRST BOOK 



or 



LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY, 



IN ITS 



APPLICATION TO AGRICULTURE. 



FOR THE USE OF THE 

 FARMERS AND TEACHERS OF IRELAND. 



N TRODUCTION. 



The most striking characteristics of the present time are, the 

 numerous applications which are every day made of the 

 knowledge of the laws of nature, which modern science has 

 so successfully investigated. During thirty years of peace 

 the highest intellects of Europe have been dedicated to the 

 advancement of the useful arts; and the discovery of new 

 and refined instruments of research, by giving accuracy to 

 the investigations of the philosopher, have not only enabled 

 him to advance with confidence beyond the footmarks of his 

 predecessors, but even to enter upon and subjugate regions 

 hitherto considered as destined to remain inaccessible to 

 human inquiry. Among the sciences, Chemistry in particular 

 has, within the last few years, advanced with a celerity which 

 even the most sanguine could not have anticipated ; and it 

 must be to us a^natter of congratulation, that it is our 

 fortune to live in an' age in wliich^ the advantages of its 

 brilliant discoveries are experienced by every individual. If 

 we should estimate the value of any science by its eifects 

 upon the commerce and prosperity of nations, — by its 

 influence upon the useful arts, and its contributions to the 

 enjoyments of our race, — we must give the first place to 

 Chemistry. If we cast our eyes around us, we every- 

 where observe this science originating new manufactures or 

 improving old processes, giving to the physician his most 

 ])o\verful remedies in more manageable forms, and separated 

 from injurious principles; in theoretical medicine substituting 



