of E. V. EegnaulL 



281 



the great improvements which he effected in experimental 

 apparatus, have been suppressed. It is difficult indeed 

 for one to form a fit conception of these things, who has 

 not read the ponderous volume in which his account is 

 contained, nor himself endeavor to perform the experi- 

 ments which are therein described. But the mere re- 

 sults which have been given are enough to show the 

 value of the researches which are contained in these ten 

 memoirs, and which occupied but seven years of his busy 

 life. 



Important as they are, these memoirs comprise only a 

 small portion of Regnault's writings. Besides his trea- 

 tise on chemistry there are a great number of contribu- 

 tions of his to the Annales de Chimie et Physique, and to 

 other periodicals, as well as additional communications to 

 the Academy, which are found in vols. 10, 26, 31, 37 of 

 the memoirs of that body. 



The importance of Regnault's scientific work can 

 scarcely be over estimated. Much as science is indebted 

 to the formation of hypotheses and the coordination of 

 phenomena, it must still find its ultimate basis in the 

 groundwork of facts. Thus theory must ever be pre- 

 ceded by, and founded upon, observation. 



It was only by the industrious labors of a Tycho Brahe 

 that the speculations of a Kepler could be made good, and 

 in the same manner Regnault, in determining the data of 

 thermal physics, has paved the way for the future dis- 

 coverer of the laws of that science. He has laid a 

 foundation on which others may build, j;nd it is this 

 which forms his title to gratitude from all succeeding 

 scientists. 



His entire life was devoted to the pursuit of truth, and 

 the work which he accomplished, and no less the spirit in 

 which he performed it, will form the best monument for 

 himself and the best example for his successors. 



