A translation of the table of chemical nomenclature / proposed by De Guyton, formerly De Morveau, Lavoisier, Bertholet, and De Fourcroy ; with additions and alterations ; to which are prefixed an explanation of the terms, and some observations on the new system of chemistry.

  • Louis-Bernard Guyton de Morveau
Date:
1794
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A translation of the table of chemical nomenclature / proposed by De Guyton, formerly De Morveau, Lavoisier, Bertholet, and De Fourcroy ; with additions and alterations ; to which are prefixed an explanation of the terms, and some observations on the new system of chemistry. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Leeds Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Leeds Library.

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    [ *5 ] tended to be fignified by it, viz. a compound confifting of carbonic Acid and a peculiar fpecies of alkaline Salt. The word Natron in the London Pharmacopoeia not only does not denote the compofition of the fubftance, which fubftance is compounded of the Carbonic Acid and a peculiar fpecies of Alka- line Salt, but it is a corruption of the word Nirpov or Nitrum, and this word fhould have been again brought into ufe if it was thought to be a proper denomination for the compound of carbonic Acid and Alkali. It does not, however, feem proper to introduce this name even with the original orthography, not only for the reafon juft mentioned, but becaufe, ever fince the difcovery of gunpowder, the word Nitrum has fignified a Salt which contains an Acid called nitrous Acid. The word Natron alfo fhould not have been ufed, as other names already well underftood might have been chofen, namely. Soda, fof- file Alkali, &c. Although I have thought it my duty to point out perhaps fome defers and little improprieties in the terms of two Pharmaco- poeias, it is with great pleafure that I can truly declare that, in my opinion, thefe works are confiderable improvements compared with former editions of them ; and I think it probable that, with fome alterations, the names in them would have been ufed for a very long time, if nearly at the fame time the reformers of the Nomenclature of the new Syftem of Chemiftry had not, from a more attentive contemplation of the compofition and other proper- ties of matter, difcovered a better theory, from which arofe names which fignified things more clearly, juftly, aptly, and fimply. If the prefent fyftem of Chemiftry, and its terms, be found to confift with future difcoveries at the time when it fhall be thought neceflary to publifh new editions of the above Difpenfatories, I am Pure, from the liberality and candour of the two Colleges, that the prefent new names will be introduced ; as well as the names in the