The Great Chemist, Joseph Black, 51 



an influence upon the world of science. Anatomy and Chemistry 

 were not similar studies, and it is not surprising that Black soon 

 managed an exchange of the chair of Anatomy for that of 

 Medicine. In his medical lectures he distinguished himself by 

 the perspicuity and simplicity of his work, and by the cautious 

 moderation of all his general doctrines. We are really little con- 

 cerned about his medical professorship, and only note it in 

 passing as typical of the man as a teacher. Black's fame as a 

 chemist depends on the work done while a student and while 

 lecturing in Glasgow. After his removal to the chair of Chemistry 

 in Edinburgh, his original research almost ceased. Teaching 

 became his life work, and his exceedingly conscientious nature 

 combined with feeble health prevented him from doing moi'e than 

 was necessary to keep his lectures abreast of the growth of 

 chemical knowledge, and prepare the necessary experiments with 

 which he illustrated his teaching. 



His work was known and its value recognized everywhere. 

 Later in the century, in 1791, when Black had finally accepted 

 Lavoisier's ideas and the French system of nomenclature, and was 

 so teaching his pupils, Lavoisier wrote him expressing his 

 appreciation in a letter which I translate : — "I learn with joy 

 more than I can express that you are so good as to grant merit 

 to the thoughts and ideas which I have been the first to put 

 forward against the doctrine of Phlogiston. Paying more atten- 

 tion to your ideas than to my own, accustomed to look upon you 

 as my master, I mistrusted myself in that I had departed so far, 

 without your approval, from the road which you had so gloriously 

 followed. Your approbation disperses my scruples and gives me 

 new courage. I shall not be content until circumstances allow 

 me to bring to you myself the proof of my admiration, and to 

 show myself among the number of your pupils." 



So a reputation made by his great advances in science 

 was maintained by the remarkable success of his teaching as a 

 professor, to whose classes came pupils from many nations to 

 spread his fame in France, Germany, Sweden and even in Russia. 



