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which. Wurtz took an important part, had the effect of clearing up 
the distinction between the atomicity and the basicity of an acid. 
In 1855 he discovered the mixed alcoholic radicals by a method 
which has since become a standard one for the synthesis of 
hydrocarbons. His researches on aldol , a body uniting in itself 
the properties of an alcohol and an aldehyde, bring us down to the 
present date. 
It would he impossible, in a notice of reasonable length, to give 
any adequate idea of the importance of the work done by Wurtz 
during the forty years of his active life of investigation, and it 
would he equally impossible adequately to appreciate the far- 
reaching effect which the school which he founded around him has 
had in the development of modern chemistry. Many of his most 
illustrious pupils remained to the last workers in his laboratory, 
influenced by the spirit of enlightenment with which he inspired 
all who came in contact with him. The personal charm which 
Wurtz exercised on all who were associated with him cannot he 
better expressed than in the words spoken at his grave by his 
distinguished pupil and attached friend Friedel. After extolling 
his rare powers as a lecturer, he says — “ We see him in his labora- 
tory, receiving with unwearying kindness even the humblest of his 
pupils, interesting himself in his work, and discussing his ideas as 
with an equal, sowing his ideas broadcast, and as happy and proud 
of a discovery made by one of his pupils as he was modest and 
unassertive of his own. Singularly open to new ideas, and afraid 
of no scientific speculation, however hold, provided it received the 
sanction of experiment, he was peculiarly fitted to promote the 
progress of science, and to lead it over firm and solid ground. It 
w r as owing to these rare qualities that he attracted so many chemists, 
both French and foreign, to his laboratory. Of these many in 
their turn have become masters, and all will unite in saying that 
the time which they passed in daily association with Wurtz counts 
amongst the happiest and most fruitful of their lives.” 
