428 MODERN CHEMISTRY. 



however, to imagine that the path disclosed by this extra- 

 ordinary man was at once recognised and followed by others. 

 As respects Chemistry in particular, we find that it assumed 

 its true and complete character as an experimental science, 

 at a later period, and from causes which would have existed 

 had Bacon's writings never appeared. We refer to them rather 

 as a striking anticipation of the methods of experimental 

 enquiry, than as having given. origin to those results of modern 

 discovery which are now daily multiplying around us. 



This slight allusion to what has been called the early 

 history of Chemistry will show that we do not attach other 

 value to it than as a record of the insulated progress of man 

 in various arts, useful or useless, which have chemical pro- 

 cesses for their basis. The workers in metals from Tubal- 

 Cain downwards, and those engaged in the cookery of human 

 food in every age and country, have dealt with chemical 

 powers and instruments, though not recognised as such. But 

 it would be as reasonable to call the Bee a philosophical 

 chemist, as so to designate tjiose who have simply invented 

 means to satisfy the needs, or minister to the luxury of man. 

 Chemistry illustrates these familiar phenomena, but does not 

 depend on them. Nor can it be affirmed that any of the 

 greater discoveries which mark its progress have had their 

 origin in the wants of human society, though often directed 

 and pressed forwards by this powerful incentive. 



Without affecting exactitude, there can be little error in 

 stating that since a century only Chemistry has assumed its 

 true character as a science, and that, with few exceptions, all 

 the important parts of its early history are included within 

 this period. The eminent names of Boyle, Hooke, Mayow, 

 Stahl, and Hales do indeed precede it; but not until the 

 period between 1750 and 1790 (a time illustrated by the 

 greater names of Black, Cavendish, Watt, Priestley, Bergman, 

 Scheele, and Lavoisier ; and by- the discoveries of oxygen, 





