466 
EDINBURGH MEETING. 
pears often heightened, always almost, if not quite, unimpaired. And I need only say 
that this points to an essential difference in the mode of action of these substances on the 
spinal cord and on the nerves. 
Whilst I, therefore, state my conviction that the theory of the action of hydrate of 
chloral which has hitherto been suggested is untenable, I must express my belief that 
its introduction into medicine is likely to prove highly beneficial, and to supply us with 
a new remedy—new, in this sense, that its action will, I am sure, be found to differ 
most materially from that of our old narcotics and anaesthetics, and so as to cause it to 
be useful when their use might be attended with danger or inconvenience. 
The introduction of this new drug teaches us, gentlemen, how much we are to expect 
from chemistry and physiology, when their study is pursued hand in hand ; when the 
knowledge of the one science is made available for the purposes of the other. The old 
alchemists worked at Ghemistry for no higher motives than the hope of discovering the 
philosophers’ stone, which should transmute the base metals into gold, and confer im¬ 
mortality upon perishable beings. Their work, if it has failed in its original purpose, 
has, at any rate, led to a glorious result. The science which sprang from their crude 
and superstitious studies has not, it is true, aimed at the annihilation of death, for a 
calm and dispassionate reasoning has led all to look upon the search for immortality, as 
it was understood by the alchemists, as equally vain and absurd as the endeavours to 
discover perpetual motion. The science has, however, achieved results which are scarcely 
less remarkable than those which the alchemists anticipated. If base metals have not 
been converted into gold, the modern chemist has succeeded in obtaining, from coal, 
products almost as valuable as gold ; if he has not succeeded in discovering a universal 
life-giving elixir, he has, at any rate, supplied the world with bodies capable of contri¬ 
buting to comfort, with substances ministering to health and capable of annihilating 
pain. There is one, and it is a very glorious aspect which modern science presents, and 
which appears to me to be suggested by every new application of her resources to the 
well-being of mankind. True science works for truth alone: content with its rewards, 
she does not fortunately depend upon the stimulus which mercenary motives supply. 
Careless of the taunts of the ignorant, the scientific man treads paths which to others 
appear to have no end, and engages in pursuits which appear to be useless. Is it not, 
however, apparent from the events of every day, that in truth it is by disinterested 
scientific work of this kind that the world is generally benefited ? Thus, the apparently 
useless but interesting scientific discoveries of yesterday become the means to-day of 
enriching or benefiting mankind. The chemical curiosity of to-day may to-morrow 
become the most valuable remedy in the service of suffering humanity. 
In the course of his remarks, Dr. Gamgee illustrated the effects of chloral on a rabbit 
and on a pigeon. On the motion of Mr. H. C. Baildon, a cordial vote of thanks was 
unanimously awarded to Dr. Gamgee for his valuable and interesting communication. 
Professor Archer, Director of the Edinburgh Museum of Science and Art, then read 
a paper on the w Animal Substances used in Medicine.” 
Mr. Evans moved a vote of thanks to Professor Archer, and, in doing so, alluded to 
the value of the Professor’s remarks, as containing much useful and interesting infor¬ 
mation. Mr. Evans urged upon the young men present to take advantage of such 
opportunities as were now so freely afforded to those residing in Edinburgh, assuring all 
present that an early acquaintance with scientific pursuits was most desirable, because, 
Avhen more advanced in years, and engaged with the turmoil of business, it was not so easy 
to prosecute the study of pharmacy. In concluding, Mr. Evans made special reference 
to his previous acquaintance with Professor Archer while resident in Liverpool, and 
begged to offer him a personal vote of thanks for all that he had done on behalf of 
pharmacy and botany, in addition to the ordinary thanks of the Society, which, he felt 
assured, would be very cordially awarded to the Professor for his paper. 
This was carried unanimously, and with acclamation. 
[Professor Archer’s paper is in type, but press of matter obliges us to defer its publica¬ 
tion till next month.— Ed. Pharm. Journ.] 
