62 
LABORATORY OF BERZELIUS. 
vain to search in this laboratory for brick or stone furnaces, 
which may be useful in operations on the large scale, but 
are not required in the delicate processes of analysis. The 
apparatus used by Berzelius consists of a hearth raised 
about three feet from the ground, and covered with a hood 
for carrying off vapors. On this hearth is a small sand- 
bath heated with charcoal, and a small iron furnace with 
holes for receiving tubes, retorts, &c. 
In the second apartment the first object to be remarked 
is a glass case on a table, containing the balance. How 
great is the light which this fragile and simple instrument 
lias contributed to the natural sciences! How numerous 
are the phenomena which it has explained, and the hidden 
truths which it has revealed ! Who can count the discus- 
sions which it has terminated, — the hypotheses which it 
has destroyed ? Who could have believed, in past times, 
that the determination of abstract truths and the develop- 
ment of the laws of nature would be due to the oscillations 
of this instrument? But examine this balance with atten- 
tion, for it has rendered great service to science, and the 
modifications which have been made in it are of impor- 
tance. The method of raising and maintaining in repose 
the beam and the pans is due to Gahn, whose skill in such 
work was well known. There are also small leaden 
weights, the exact counterpoise of all the crucibles and 
small platinum vessels of the laboratory, so that each might 
be readily tared. Around this room are placed in drawers 
or glass cases divers apparatus and chemical preparations 
in perfect order; and near the window is a table arranged 
for blow-pipe operations, on which Berzelius has written an 
excellent treatise. 
We now turn to the left, and perceive, in a third apart- 
ment, Berzelius himself, who is probably occupied in writ- 
ing. His table is covered with journals and borne down 
with the weight of books. By his side is a small cabinet, 
in which are contained rare chemical products. It is here 
