Chlorine and Hydrogen. 341 



»f the science admits of it) a regular and connected system. 

 The statements evince a correct and discriminating mind, 

 and there is sufficient evidence that the author has thorough- 

 ly studied his subject. We believe few chemical works 

 may be relied upon with more safety, both as regards the 

 statement of facts, and the fair and philosophical induc- 

 tions that are drawn from them. It is said that a for- 

 eign chemist of eminence has remarked that this work con- 

 tains more of the science of chemistry than any other. As 

 Americans we may be gratified with such an observation, 

 not because we would wait for an European decision of the 

 merits of an American work before we ventured to admire 

 it ourselves ; for we have both in literature and science, 

 enough of native talent and learning, to justify original ef- 

 forts and opinions of our own ; sustained not in the spirit of 

 vanity and of self adulation, but in the firmness of independ- 

 ence, and in that spirit of self respect which is at once our 

 right and our duty. We are happy in saying that, in our 

 view. Professor Gorham has executed his difficult task, 

 with much faithfulness and ability, and his country has oc- 

 casion to be proud of his work. His style is pure, per- 

 spicuous and concise, without becoming dry and repulsive ; 

 indeed we may say it is characterized by an elegant sim- 

 plicity, and the reader finds himself in company with one 

 who is at once instructive and agreeable. 



We consider it as no small thing, that this country has, 

 in so short a time, produced two elementary treatises, of so 

 much merit as those of professors Cleaveland and Gorham, 

 and we are not afraid that either of them will suffer by 

 close examination either at home or abroad. 



In this country it is no small thing to have set so good an 

 example, and we trust that its future scientific treatises will 

 be marked by equal correctness and ability. 



Art. XIV. — Miscellaneous Chemical Kotices. 



1. Chlorine and Hydrogen — danger from their mixture. 



Ever since Mr. Cruickshanks, of Woolwich, England, 

 pointed out the mutual action of chlorine and hydrogen, 

 these gases have been freely mingled, by chemical demon- 



