LABORATORY OF BERZELIUS. 
61 
quished the practice. The number of these pupils was 
very restricted, for throughout Sweden there are but eight 
or nine who have enjoyed this privilege, and about an 
equal number in Germany. Nevertheless, he liked to 
introduce strangers into his laboratory, and was much 
pleased in showing them the results of his long experience. 
Although apparently in the enjoyment of good health, he 
complained of the approach of old age. For the last two 
or three years his sight had required the aid of spectacles. 
His memory no longer served him as heretofore, and he was 
obliged to label all his bottles, which he had previously 
distinguished without this precaution. 
Any stranger wishing to visit Berzelius should go by 
way of the Drottning-Gattau, at the commencement of 
which stands the church of Adolphus Frederick. The 
house forming the corner of this street is the large building 
lately purchased by the Academy. On approaching the 
house this way, he mounts two little steps which are oppo- 
site the door, and may forthwith enter : he need not fear the 
abruptness of his entrance, as a little bell will announce his 
arrival. He will discover, by the sight of various utensils 
arranged about the entrance, that he is in the laboratory of 
a chemist. If he be neither chemist nor even amateur, and 
is not frightened by the sight of the chemical apparatus, 
he will have nothing to fear from the emanations arising 
from them, which in most laboratories affect so sensibly the 
organs of respiration. Here they are all carried off by a 
most efficient system of ventilation, and even if any opera- 
tion be in progress it may be approached without fear. To 
the right, adjusted with care near the window, may be 
seen a mercurial trough, from which the light is brilliantly 
reflected. Further on is a small porcelain table with 
raised edges, on which are probably some glass apparatus 
indicating the progress of certain experiments. After hav- 
ing glanced at the blowpipe, its large lamp, and the objects 
that surround it, we next arrive at the sand-bath. It is in 
6 
