The elements of experimental chemistry (Volume 1).

  • Henry, William, 1774-1836.
Date:
Nov. 1814
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The elements of experimental chemistry (Volume 1). Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    who endeavour to discover the design and reason of each step in the processes of their arts, and fit themselves for more effectual observation of particular facts, by diligently possessing themselves of general truths. The objects of inquiry, that present themselves to the dyer and printer, are of considerable number and importance. The preparation of goods for the reception of colouring matter ; the application of the best bases, or means of fixing fugitive col- ours ; the improvement of colouring ingredients themselves ; and the means of rendering them permanent, so that they shall not be affected by soap or by the accidental contact of acids or other cor- rosive bodies ; arc among the subjects of chemical investigation. It is the business of the dyer, therefore, to become a chemist; and he may be assured that, even if no brilliant discovery should be the reward of the acquisition, he will yet be better fitted by it for conducting common operations, with certain and universal suc- cess. 6th. The tanning and preparation of leather are processes strictly chemical, which were involved in mystery, till they were reduced to well established principles, by the researches of Se- guin, and by the subsequent experiments of Davy. In this, as in most other examples, the application of science to the practical improvement of an art, has to encounter the obstacles of ignorance and prejudice. But the interests of men are sure finally to pre- vail ; and the most bigotted attachment to established forms must give place to the cleaVly demonstrated utility of new practices. Such a demonstration is generally furnished by some artist of more enlightened views than his neighbours, who has the spirit to deviate from ordinary rules ; and thus becomes (not unfrequently with some personal sacrifice) a model for the imitation of others, and an important benefactor of mankind. Many other chemical arts might be enumerated ; but enough, I trust, has been said, to evince the connexion between practical skill and the possession of scientific knowledge. I shall now proceed to develop the plan, on which the following course of instruction will be conducted. There arc two methods of delivering the general doctrines of chemistry, and the facts connected with them. The one consists in a historical detail of the gradual progress of the science ; and, ^n pursuing this plan, we follow the natural progress of the human