20 
INTRODUCTORY LECTURE. 
other than the great delights which flow from the possession 
of truth, and especially those truths, which reveal so much of 
the power, wisdom, and glory of the Creator, — he who pos- 
sesses not the knowledge of the infinite relations of elementa- 
ry matter, which chemistry alone teaches, can never under- 
stand and enjoy the pleasure derived from an acquaintance 
with the order, harmony, and invariable laws with which 
matter of all kinds has been endowed by the Almighty. To 
such it may be necessary to explain, that the professional cha- 
racter of the course opposes no obstacle to the study of gene- 
ral chemistry to an extent quite commensurate with the wants 
of a general student. Every principle required for a finished 
education is required for the peculiar wants of a professional 
student, and therefore no sacrifice of the requisites of a gene- 
ral is made to the demands of a special course of study. It will 
be an effort constantly exerted to render the lectures deliver- 
ed from this desk, entertaining and instructive to all who may 
feel disposed to attend, whether student or amateur; an at- 
tempt which it would not be worth while to enlarge upon 
here. Let an attendance upon the course decide the claim 
which it may possess to those epithets. 
And now, young gentlemen, who are about to embark with 
me on an untried voyage, let me invite from you a steady de- 
termination to give your best efforts to the purpose for which 
we are associated; let me ask on your part a decorous, faith- 
ful, punctual attendance, and a confidence in the sincerity in 
which the preceding remarks have been addressed to you ; 
and I pledge you, on my part, a constant regard to the objects 
which have brought us together; and an anxious hope that our 
destined haven may be reached, the good ship laden with a 
precious freight, and a decided determination to spare no means 
which a conscientious discharge of duty may intimate as ne- 
cessary to your improvement and permanent good. One 
means is afforded us which we must all respect, 'the advice 
and example of those more experienced than ourselves; a re- 
gard for the attainments of those who have gone before us. 
Brilliant as are the prospects held out to you ; gratifying as 
