750 
PROFESSOR MORTON’S 
thoughts although they may be opposed to those of my highly- 
respected colleagues and friends. Our difference on scientific 
questions does not at all interfere with our sentiments of regard 
for each other. It will, however, be required from you to know 
the opinions of all ^our teachers; but you may also form dis- 
tinct views of your own. It would be absurd for us to say that 
you must think with us. Believe me, Gentlemen, it is only on 
the wide extension of thought and freedom of action that we 
must depend for the improvement of all science — the advancement 
of all knowledge. 
I beg to thank you for the kind attention with which you have 
listened to me ; and on Thursday next, at twelve o’clock, I shall 
again have the honour of appearing before you. 
The Theatre was crowded by pupils and gentlemen already in 
practice, by whom Mr. Spooner was frequently and enthusiasti- 
cally cheered. 
We now present to our readers the two introductory Lectures 
on Chemistry delivered by Professor Morton at the commence- 
ment of this session. Portions of them may be found in the 
history which we were permitted to give of the proceedings of 
1839 and 1840, and most excellent and useful they were: but a 
mind like his was never at rest when endeavouring to accomplish 
an important object, and he has altered and improved them until 
they are truly worthy of him and of the subject of which he treats. 
He will kindly forgive us for omitting the division between these 
lectures, for we were pressed for time and for room ; and no 
student, we are persuaded, will tire in the perusal of matter so 
interesting as that which the following pages will contain. 
The Professor thus commenced — 
After the eloquent proemial address delivered on Monday last 
by your excellent preceptor/ and my esteemed colleague, Mr. 
Spooner, words of mine will be but as the pattering of drops of 
rain upon the mighty expanse of waters, or as the low murmurs 
that succeed the loud-pealing thunder-storm. But, as a little 
rivulet is sometimes seen, apart from the mountain torrents, in 
its meanderings to irrigate and fertilize the soil through which 
it passes, so may I hope that, by your co-operation, the seed which 
from time to time may be sown here will be caused to germinate 
and grow ; and if so, we shall see, “ first the blade, then the ear, 
and then the full corn in the ear;” and a rich and an abundant 
