1388.] 207 [DuBois. 
prise proved unsuccessful, as the article was not found to be pure. The 
result was its reshipment to this city. In the old chemical works of the 
late Dr. Uhler, situated in the upper part of this city, the Professor began 
with his usual energy to prosecute the work of acquiring a knowledge of 
the best method of refining cobalt. ‘This question of the refining of this 
metal was one that was obscure to all outside of the then existing cobalt 
refineries in the world, so the task the Professor had undertaken was one 
fraught with perplexing difficulty. But the effort was successful.’’ 
Mr. Booth’s achievements early in his career gained him a membership 
in this Society, January 18, 1839. Though of recent years he seldom 
visited these rooms—his residence being at Haverford College—yet he 
always had a warm spot in his heart for the associations of our venerable 
hall, and a true regard for the honor of a seat upon this floor. 
He contributed to the Transactions, N. S., VIII, p. 185, in connection 
with Prof. Martin H. Boyé, a paper on the Conversion of Benzoic Acid 
into Hippuric Acid. 
These ventures into the field of scientific literature were enlarged by 
Reports from the Franklin Institute Committee on Science and the Arts, 
which were of Prof. Booth’s writing ; by a report on ‘Recent Improve- 
ments in the Chemical Arts,’’ published by the Smithsonian Institute in 
1852; and by his most conspicuous effort in literature, well known as the 
“‘ Encyclopedia of Chemistry” (Phila., 1850). This was written chiefly 
by himself. Dr. Campbell Morfit rendered much assistance, however, on 
the last half of the work ; and Prof. R. 8S. McCulloh contributed articles 
on Electricity and the Hydrometer, while Dr. Boyé contributed articles 
on Alcohol Analysis, and some other subjects. 
This brings us to the close of the second period. Asan instructor, Mr. 
Booth seems to have had unusual success. Dr. Alexander Mucklé, for some 
years past an assistant to the Melterand Refiner of the Mint, an early pupil 
of Mr. Booth, and subsequently himself a student under Wéhler and 
under Bunsen, says: ‘‘ With this experience of teachers and means of 
comparison, I can say that Mr. Booth had few if any superiors as a teacher 
of practical chemistry, that he kept abreast of the times by constantly 
securing the best and latest scientific books and periodicals.’ But. tes- 
timony of this sort is barely necessary. A course in his laboratory, says 
the Scientific American, ‘was considered necessary for the chemist of that 
time, and was regarded of more value than a college diploma.’”? * * * 
“This institution soon acquired considerable distinction, * * * and 
during the course of a few years nearly fifty students availed themselves 
of his instruction, most of whom have since acquired distinction.” It 
would be interesting, if it were possible, to calculate the influence that 
through them he has wielded and still wields upon the vast manufactur- 
ing and economic interests of a busy world. 
The third period begins and ends with Prof. Booth’s official life. 
Through his friend, Secretary Meredith, the office of Melter and Refiner 
of the Mint was placed at his disposal, and the appointment was made by 
PROC. AMER. PHILOS. SOC. XXv. 128, 24. PRINTED ocr. 31, 1888. 
