128 . Chemical PJiilosophy. [Chap. II. 



of (^xygen in all oxydations ; a very honourable 

 monument of female enterprise and talents*. The 

 plan of a new nomenclature, by Mr. Vv'eiglib, a 

 German chemist, also indicates considerable learn- 

 ing and ability f. To these may be added some 

 proposed alterations in tjie French nomenclature, 

 b}' Dr. Pearson J, before mentioned, and by several 

 other ingenious writers. Though none of these 

 authors can be said to have produced revolutions 

 in the science of chemistry, or 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 oi pestilential fluids ^ which has been 

 laid before the public in various forms since r790> 

 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 moi;e especially in the latter, constitutes 

 the mischievous substance which, in its operation 

 on the human body, produces pestilence. In cor- 

 respondence with this 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 



* Essay on Combust ion. 

 t Encyclopa'dia. Art. Chemistry. 



X See his View of the French Nomenclature, 4to, 1/99. 

 London. " . 



