Chemical Pli ilosophy. \0\ 



plan of a new nomenclature, by M. Wkiglir, a 

 German chemist, also indicates considerable learn-' 

 ing and ability/ To these may be added some 

 proposed alterations in the French nomencla- 

 ture, by Dr. Pearson,^^ before mentioned, and by 

 several other ingenious writers. Though none of 

 these authors can be said to have produced revolu- 

 tions in the science of chemistry; nor, perhaps,' 

 to have suggested very important improvements; 

 yet they are entitled to a respectful notice in the 

 chemical history of the age. 



In the course of the last six years. Dr. Mitchill, 

 the ingenious and learned Professor of Chemistry 

 in Columbia College, has proposed some new terms 

 in this science, and announced some new opinions, 

 of which it will be proper to take notice. 



His doctrine of pestilential fluids, which has 

 been laid before the public in various forms since 

 1796, holds the first place, both with respect to 

 time and importance. He supposes that the union 

 of azote and oxygen, either in the form of oxyd or 

 acid, and more especially in the latter, constitutes 

 the mischievous substance which, in its operation 

 on the humian body, produces pestilence. In cor- 

 respondence'with which opinion, he teaches that 

 alkaline and calcareous remedies are the most ef- 

 fectual means of disarming the force, and obviat- 

 ing the destructive effects of this poison. At the 

 same time the Professor proposed an alteration in 

 ■the nomenclature, agreeing with his new doctrine, 

 >and illustrative of its principles. Considering azote 

 as having an important agency in the process of 

 putrefaction, he proposed to introduce the word 

 septon^ instead of azote, and hence denominated 



f Encyclopaedia, art. Chemistry. 



g See his View of the French Nomenclature. 4to. 1799. London. 



h This word is derived from cr-fiTw^ putrefac'w : hence cditt'/o;, putridus, 

 and TO c-Yw^ov, tubat peculiarly disposes bodies to rot. Medical Repository, 

 voL ii, p. 50. 



