An introduction to the study of chemistry / by Ira Remsen.

  • Ira Remsen
Date:
1890
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An introduction to the study of chemistry / by Ira Remsen. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    7/410 (page 3)
    PREFACE. In preparing this book, I have endeavored to keep in mind the fact that it is intended for those who are begin- ning the study of chemistry. Instead of presenting a large number of facts and thus overburdening the student^s mind, I have presented a smaller number than is usual in elementary courses in chemistry; but I have been careful to select for treatment such substances and such phenomena as seem to me best suited to give an insight into the na- ture of chemical action. Usually the mind is not allowed to dwell for any length of time upon any one thing and thus to become really acquainted with it, but is hurried on and is soon bewildered in the effort to comprehend what is presented. I cannot but believe that it is much better to dwell longer on a few subjects, provided these subjects are properly selected. The charge is frequently made that our elementary text- books on chemistry are not scientific; that is to say, that not enough stress is laid upon the relations which exist be- tween the phenomena considered,—the treatment is not sys- tematic. The student is taught a little about oxygen, a little about hydrogen, a little about nitrogen, etc.; and then a little about potassium, a little about calcium, etc.; and he is left simply to wonder whether there is any connection between the numerous facts offered for study. It must be acknowledged that there are serious difficulties in the way of a purely scientific treatment of chemistry, but I think