XVI DEDICATION. 



I have endeavored to follow the path marked out by 

 Sir Humphry Davy, who based his conclusions only 

 on that which was capable of inquiry and proof. 

 This is the path of true philosophical inquiry, which 

 promises to lead us to truth, — the proper object of 

 our research. 



In presenting this Report to the British Association 

 I feel myself bound to convey my sincere thanks to 

 Dr. Lyon Playfair, of St. Andrew's, for the active as- 

 sistance which has been afforded me in its preparation 

 by that intelligent young chemist during his residence 

 in Giessen. I cannot suppress the wish, that he may 

 succeed in being as useful, by his profound and well- 

 grounded knowledge of chemistry, as his talents 



promise. 



JUSTUS LIEBIG. 



Giessen, September 1, 1840. 



