TO 



THE BEITISH ASSOCIATION 



FOR 



THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE. 



ONE of the most remarkable features of modern times is the combination of 

 large numbers of individuals representing the whole intelligence of nations, for the 

 express purpose of advancing science by their united efforts, of learning its pro- 

 gress, and of communicating new discoveries. The formation of such associations 

 is, in itself an evidence that they were needed. 



It is not every one who is called by his situation in life to assist in extending 

 the bounds of science ; but all mankind have a claim to the blessings and benefits 

 which accrue from its earnest cultivation. The foundation of scientific institutions 

 is an acknowledgment of these benefits, and this acknowledgment proceeding from 

 whole nations may be considered as the triumph of mind over empiricism. 



Innumerable are the aids afforded to the means of life, to manufactures and to 

 commerce, by the truths which assiduous and active inquirers have discovered and 

 rendered capable of practical application. But it is not the mere practical utility 

 of these truths which is of importance. Their influence upon mental culture is 

 most beneficial ; and the new views acquired by the knowledge of them enable the 

 mind to recognise, in the phenomena of nature, proofs of an Infinite Wisdom, for 

 the unfathomable profundity of which, language has no expression. 



At one of the meetings of the chemical section of the " British Association for 

 the Advancement of Science," the honourable task of preparing a Report upon the 

 state of Organic Chemistry was imposed upon me. In the present work I present 

 the Association with a part of this report. 



I have endeavoured to develope, in a manner correspondent to the present state 

 of science, the fundamental principles of Chemistry in general, and the laws of \ 

 Organic Chemistry in particular, in their application to Agriculture and Physiology -, I 

 to the causes of fermentation, decay, and putrefaction ; to the vinous and acetous 

 fermentations, and to nitrification. The conversion of woody fibre into wood 

 and mineral coal, the nature of poisons, contagions, and miasms, and the causes 

 of their action on the living organism, have been elucidated in their chemical 

 relations. 



I shall be happy if I succeed in attracting the attention of men of science to 

 subjects which so well merit to engage their talents and energies. Perfect Agri- 

 culture is the true foundation of all trade and industry it is the foundation of the 

 riches of states. But a rational system of Agriculture cannot be formed without 

 the application of scientific principles ; for such a system must be based on an 

 exact acquaintance with the means of nutrition of vegetables, and with the in- 

 fluence of soils and action of manure upon them. This knowledge we must seek 



