6 
INTRODUCTORY LECTURE. 
have opportunity and ability to reflect upon and examine 
their selection. 
It will not be deemed a mere aspiring to originality and pe- 
culiarity, then, if the present course should differ in some re- 
spects from those which have preceded it; nor can it be hoped 
that much, if any, room be afforded for improvement upon 
former methods. The servile imitation of a contemporary, 
I feel assured, would not be expected or approved by any can- 
did mind, and a sketch of the course with which it is designed 
that our time, during the approaching season, shall be occu- 
pied, is therefore submitted,.with diffidence and deference, for 
the opinions of those who are competent and disposed to ex- 
amine it. It is the result of cool and anxious reflection, aided 
by no trifling experience in the duties, wants, and resources 
of the apothecary, and a determination, so far as ability al- 
lows, to assist these duties, supply these wants, and develope 
these resources; presenting to the young student of Pharma- 
ceutic Chemistry as complete and comprehensive a view of 
that branch of General Chemistry as the experience, resources 
or industry of his teacher can supply. If, upon comparison 
with other systems, it should be found that they coincide in 
many respects, the coincidence of independent judgments 
should be regarded as confirming the correctness of each; if, 
on the other hand, some difference of method be found to ex- 
ist, it is to be hoped that it has arisen after a conscientious ex- 
amination of the subject; is capable of being sustained by sound 
argument, or of reconciliation after further reflection. The 
assertion is reiterated in all honesty, that nothing has been in- 
troduced, withheld, or altered for the mere sake of novelty. 
That it will meet universal approbation cannot be looked for; 
that further experience will suggest modifications may most 
surely be anticipated; that every effort shall be made to ren- 
der it perfect, is here solemnly pledged. 
By the title of the chair already announced, you are led to 
expect a course of lectures on General and Pharmaceutic 
Chemistry ; and it is to a cursory sketch of the plan to be pur- 
sued that your attention is now invited. General Chemistry 
may be defined to be the whole science embracing every prin- 
