INTRODUCTORY LECTURE. 
249 
sion, and by the multiplicity of their labours they are now illu- 
minating the yet misty records of animated nature, as traced 
in the proximate and ultimate constitution of vegetables and 
animals. 
Analysis ! What a significant meaning has this word when 
applied to the labours of the chemist ! What mighty results 
are daily occurring from this magic wand, this open-sesame of 
science ! Many apparently inexplicable phenomena of animal 
life and organism have been unfolded ; the hidden secrets of 
nature brought to light ; agents of tremendous energy dis- 
covered, and impending catastrophes fraught with ruin and 
desolation turned aside. These are the results to which the 
apothecary may aspire, — the path that leads to them is open — 
and as their is no royal road to knowledge — he may accomplish 
by his industry and talents what others have clone before him. 
But to return : the basis of analytical knowledge consists 
in a nice discrimination of quantity — habits of great accuracy 
— a keen perception of qualities, and an unflinching conscien- 
ciousness of the record of observations. The daily engage- 
ments of the pharmaceutist are in harmony with these condi- 
tions, and it only needs energy and determination to acquire 
them. That such knowledge is useful, none will dispute ; it 
gives its possessor a character superior to those around him; 
and the public, who often require its assistance, readily concede 
to the analytical chemist a high place in their regard. In 
one's own affairs it is a source of pleasure and profit; it enables 
us to detect those adulterations which are introduced into 
chemical substances, and thus protect ourselves and patrons 
from the effects of these infamous practices. 
The fourth division may be called the dispensing de- 
partment — it is that portion of the business of the apothecary 
which is transacted at the counter, in which the drugs and 
medicines that have undergone the processes of preparation 
are to be dealt out to the public, either at their own demand or 
by the prescription of physicians. 
I need hardly observe that this is the most responsible por- 
tion of his duties. On its correct accomplishment depends the 
