LIVERPOOL CHEMISTS’ ASSOCIATION. 
258 
These researches in organic chemistry may appear, at this the moment of their birth, 
to have little influence on the arts and manufactures and on mankind in general. But 
are they not researches into the deep mysteries of nature ? and who can predict the in¬ 
fluence which they may yet have on the prosperity of the human race ? The discovery 
of an ethereal substance by Soubeiran, in 1831, who named it ether bichlorique ; by 
Liebig, in 1832, who called it chloride of carbon, and thereafter by Dumas, in 1834, who 
gave it the name of chloroform,—did not foreshadow the application of that agent in 
alleviating human suffering, so nobly suggested by our esteemed fellow-citizen Professor 
Simpson. The discovery of aniline in 1826, by Unverdorben, coupled with the discovery 
of benzol in oil gas, by Faraday, and the detection of it in coal-tar naphtha, by Mansfield ; 
and thereafter the discovery of the conversion of benzol into nitro-benzol, which in its 
turn could be converted in aniline, lay dormant till the year 1856, when the researches 
of Mr. Perkins showed, that these discoveries contained the germs of the coal-tar colours, 
and yielded us the unrivalled colours, mauve, magenta, purples, reds, violets, besides 
blues, greens, and even blacks. 
Dr. Macadam then made special reference to the influence of Gerhardt’s system of 
notation and equivalents upon the mode of representing the compositions of organic as 
well as inorganic substances, and discussed the arguments in support of the doubling of 
the equivalents of oxygen, carbon, silicon, sulphur, selenium, tellurium, titanium, and 
tin. He explained the principal points connected with the classification of substances, 
according to Gerhardt's views, and concluded by expressing the opinion that the time 
had now arrived for a more systematic consideration of the whole subject in the lecture- 
room, so as to prepare the student of chemistry for the change in chemical notation and 
nomenclature which must apparently take place in a few years at most. 
A discussion took place after Dr. Macadam had read his paper, in which Dr. Sanders 
and others took part. 
A vote of thanks was proposed by Bailie Alexander to Dr. Macadam for his very able 
and instructive paper, to which he was sure all had listened with much pleasure. This 
w r as seconded by Mr. D. R. Brown, and cordially carried. 
Mr. Mackay described and showed in operation one of Carr’s New Patent Levigators, 
or double-acting Composite Mills, for grinding drugs and various other articles. This 
machine was examined by several parties present, who all expressed their approval of the 
arrangements, and considered it, for the size, the best mill they had ever seen. Thanks 
were voted to Mr. Carr, of Birkenhead, the inventor, for his kindness in sending the mill 
to be shown. 
The arrangements for the winter session regarding the Library were then announced, 
as well as intimation made regarding the President's and Register Fund Prize. These 
Prizes are open for competition in England and Scotland, to all connected with the Phar¬ 
maceutical Society. Competing papers must be sent with sealed envelopes to the Secre¬ 
tary, 119, George Street, on or before 1st March, 1864. 
Various specimens sent by the Society in London for the Museum in Edinburgh were 
laid on the table, and some of them viewed with interest. In accordance with the Pre¬ 
sident’s suggestion, thanks were awarded to the Council in London for their presentation. 
The meeting thereafter adjourned. 
Edinburgh , 20 tli November, 1863. 
PROVINCIAL TRANSACTIONS. 
LIVERPOOL CHEMISTS’ ASSOCIATION. 
The Liverpool Chemists’ Association held its Second General Meeting of the session 
at the Royal Institution, on October 23, 1863 ; Mr. J. Shaw, President, in the chair. 
Mr. Frederick Buckley was elected a member. 
Mr. Turner exhibited a very curious membrane which had been found formed in the 
bread-bin of a ship on its voyage from New Zealand to France. The strength and de¬ 
licate beauty of the fabric excited much interest. 
