INTRODUCTORY LECTURE. 
5 
be gathered ; and he may, perhaps, himself be insensible to 
the exact amount of influence which each ma}? exert. But, be 
the value of other motives what they may, to none should be 
awarded so much deference and influence as a steady regard 
to the purpose to which the information, when acquired, is 
destined to be applied. When the length of the course will 
admit, too full and comprehensive an arrangement cannot be 
made; but limited as we are here in all the institutions in which 
the science is taught, it is impossible to include every thing 
which the science of Chemistry embraces. 
Therefore it is, that a necessity for a selection of topics ex- 
ists, and that we are compelled to divide and classify our 
science, as its disciples we are in pursuit of its truths, for one 
purpose or another. Hence it is, that we have "Chemistry 
applied to the Arts," "Agricultural Chemistry," "Organic 
Chemistry ," " Pharmaceutic Chemistry," and we doubtless 
soon shall have "Physiological Chemistry," to judge from 
the valuable contributions to the science of life which have of 
late years resulted from industrious chemical research. 
It is within one of these departments that our selections are 
confined; for, by the establishment of this chair, its duties are 
especially directed to Pharmaceutic Chemistry. General and 
Pharmaceutic Chemistry is the title by which the profes- 
sorship is designated, indicating a wise provision on the part 
of its founders that the peculiar interests of those attending 
upon its lectures shall be constantly regarded. Thus, 
far, then, the judgment of the Professor is guided in his se- 
lections and arrangements; but there is yet need for the ex- 
ercise of his discretion in calling from the extended field of 
Pharmaceutic Chemistry, subjects possessing the most value 
for the student of Pharmacy. Herein may be expected that 
difference of opinion to which reference has already been 
made, and wherein consists the contrast between different 
teachers, all exercising their best judgment, guided by the 
best lights within their reach. It is for the results depending 
upon this exercise of judgment, that they are answerable to 
the public, and by which they will be judged by those who 
