320 
THE NEW CHAIR OF TECHNICAL CHEMISTRY. 
convey a just impression of this discourse, which is nevertheless too lengthy for 
publication in our pages. But it is printed in full in the * Chemical Society’s 
Journal,’ and is, we believe, also obtainable in a separate form. Dr. Williamson 
contends that, on the one hand, all chemists use the atomic theory, and that, on 
the other hand, a considerable number of them view it with mistrust, some with 
positive dislike. The justice of this proposition was shown in the debate which 
took place at the meeting last month. Several of the speakers, including 
some of our most eminent chemists, displayed a manifest unwillingness to accept 
the atomic doctrine unreservedly. Few, if any, were disposed to admit the 
finite divisibility of matter as an absolute truth. 
The complete applicability of the atomic theory to the explanation of chemical 
phenomena cannot be denied. Some general principle or hypothesis which 
shall connect together and explain to the mind a large set of observed facts is 
almost absolutely necessary. That each element moves through its compounds 
in one certain fixed quantity or proportion may be admitted as an established 
fact. Whether this is due to the movement of an atom physically incapable of 
further or indefinfte division cannot be determined. But as long as such a no¬ 
tion is competent to explain the facts within our knowledge and help us to the 
discovery of new ones, it will continue in use by chemists. When some other 
view of the ultimate nature of matter is propounded which shall effect this pur¬ 
pose better, the atomic theory will fall. 
Such are the conclusions we gather from a debate which will do much to in¬ 
duce more correct thought upon this subject. 
THE NEW CHAIR OF TECHNICAL CHEMISTRY. 
In our July number we referred to the munificent offer of the sum of £10,000 
by Mr. James Young, for the endowment of a Chair of Technical Chemistry in 
the Andersonian University of Glasgow. We learn, however, that some diffi¬ 
culties have arisen in the way of accepting Mr. Young’s generous proposal. 
The present lecturer on chemistry in the Institution has appealed against the 
appointment of an additional professor as prejudicial to his interests. Dr. 
Penney’s system of teaching has always included the applications of chemistry 
to the arts, and the existence of a special course on this subject in the same 
university would, no doubt, interfere with the numbers attending his class. 
The infliction of injury on a highly respected teacher ought, if possible, to be 
avoided. 
It is now rumoured that the fund will be applied to the establishment of an 
independent school of chemistry in Glasgow. Should this be the case, we sin¬ 
cerely hope that no further obstacles may occur. Science has few such friends 
as Mr. Young, and cannot afford to lose or discourage them. It is generally 
understood that the professorship will be accepted by Mr. W. H. Perkin, F.R.S., 
the talented discoverer of mauve dye, and originator of the great industry in 
coal-tar colours. Mr. Perkin, not only stands at the head of a new and im¬ 
portant manufacture, but has also attained a high reputation for his original 
researches in purely scientific chemistry. A more fortunate and judicious ap¬ 
pointment conld not be made. 
Since writing the above, we observe with regret an announcement in the 
daily papers of the unexpected death of Dr. Penney. 
