4 A Century of Science 



ticated from that time forth. The balance became 

 the ruling instrument of chemistry. One further 

 step led to the generalization that in all chemical 

 changes there is no such thing as increase or dim- 

 inution, but only substitution, and upon this fun- 

 damental truth of the indestructibility of matter 

 all modern chemistry rests. 



When we look at the stupendous edifice of 

 science* that has been reared upon this basis, when 

 we consider the almost limitless sweep of inorganic 

 and organic chemistry, the myriad applications to 

 the arts, the depth to which we have been enabled 

 to penetrate into the innermost proclivities of mat- 

 ter, it seems almost incredible that a single century 

 can have witnessed so much achievement. We 

 must admit the fact, but our minds cannot take it 

 in ; we are staggered by it. One thing stands out 

 prominently, as we contrast this rapid and coherent 

 progress with the barrenness of ancient alchemy 

 and the chaotic fumbling of the Stahl period : we 

 see the importance of untrammelled inquiry, and of 

 sound methods of investigation which admit of ver- 

 ification at every step. That humble instrument 

 the balance, working in the service of sovereign 

 law, has been a beneficent Jinni unlocking the por- 

 tals of many a chamber wherein may be heard the 

 secret harmonies of the world. 



