8 
INTRODUCTORY LECTURE. 
matters which are also included in lectures on Natural Phi- 
losophy, indeed, which may be said to hold an equal relation 
between these two portions of Natural Science ; such are the 
doctrines of Specific Gravity, the laws of Caloric, Light and 
Electricity, in its different modes of manifestation, and a very 
brief sketch of the general properties of matter. These all form 
necessarily a portion of the course, although no more space is 
assigned to them than can possibly be spared. Of those doc- 
trines, which are purely chemical, we have affinity in its va- 
ried phases; the doctrines of equivalent proportions; atomic 
theory; system and principles of nomenclature; and the use of 
chemical symbols, becoming daily ot greater importance from 
its almost universal employment. So far the subject matter 
of the course may be considered as General Chemistry, and 
will be limited as much as is consistent with justice to its im- 
portance and to the shortness of the time allotted us. And, 
although this portion of our subject will be necessarily much 
restricted, it is hoped that enough of detail will be practica- 
ble to render it sufficiently plain, and impress it distinctly on 
your minds. The character and relations of the electro-mag- 
netic elements, as well as of those of simple combustibles, oc- 
cupy necessarily prominent grounds, and after these the me- 
tals present important matter for study. Some insight into 
organic structure is also needed, and in all these especial atten- 
tion will be paid to those substances, which are most inti- 
mately connected with Pharmacy. 
In regard to these, we have to consider the properties of 
those elements and their compounds, which are employed in 
medicine, or occupy space in the apothecary shop assigned 
them by long usage. We are to understand the chemical 
characters of the compounds, and the manipulations requisite 
for their production; we are to become familiar with the em- 
ployment of re-agents, which will put into your possession 
means of detecting and exposing the fraud of the adulterator, 
or accidental impunity of the unskilful manipulator; we are to 
study, as of equal importance in the education of a pharma- 
ceutist, the character of substances regarded poisonous, and the 
