4 
ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
positive hydrogen, pre-eminently a radical by the definition of 
that word given in the treatise of the distinguished author of 
the nomenclature. 
After stating my objections to the basis of the Berzelian 
nomenclature, I proceeded to mention those to which I con- 
sidered the superstructure as liable. 
Having designated the acid compounds of his amphigen 
class, by prefixing syllables indicating their electro-negative 
ingredients ; having also in some instances, as in those of the 
fluosilicic, and fluoboric acids, adopted this course in relation 
to halogen bodies; I objected to the use of the word hydracid, 
in which the electro-positive radical is made to act as if co- 
ordinate with oxygen. 
Moreover, the termination in ide having been generally 
attached to the electro-positive compounds of oxygen, acting 
as bases, I condemned the employment of that termination, 
to distinguish the electro-negative, and acid compounds of 
sulphur, selenium, and tellurium. I considered it incon- 
sistent to give precedence to the syllable designating the 
radical in the acids formed with hydrogen ; as in hydro- 
chloric, hydrobromic, hydriodic, hydrofluoric, hydrofluo- 
boric, hydrofluosilicic, preferring the terms chlorohydric, 
bromohydric, iodohydric, fluohydroboric, fluohydrosilicic, 
&c., in which I have been sanctioned by Thenard and 
others. 
I proposed a definition of an acid, and a base, which I 
conceived to be the only one which could be adopted, con- 
sistently with the use made of those words by Berzelius, 
and other distinguished chemists; and advanced that, agree- 
able to that definition, his double haloid salts must be con- 
sidered as simple salts, severally formed of an acid and a 
base. 
I objected to his treating the words combustion, and oxy- 
genation as synonymous. 
Having thus made the reader acquainted with the substance 
of my criticisms upon the Berzelian nomenclature, I will 
subjoin his letter in answer to them, and will then state, and 
endeavour to justify, the conclusions at which I have arrived. 
