An inaugural lecture on the study of chemistry : read at the Ashmolean Museum, November 2, 1822 / by Charles Daubeny.

  • Daubeny, Charles, 1795-1867.
Date:
1823
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An inaugural lecture on the study of chemistry : read at the Ashmolean Museum, November 2, 1822 / by Charles Daubeny. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by Royal College of Physicians, London. The original may be consulted at Royal College of Physicians, London.

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    science in proportion to its difficulty, and the intellect which its prosecution consequently demands. It should be recollected, however, by the latter class of persons, that the observation alluded to is only correct with reference to certain branches of chemical science: in the investigation of the laws of heat and of chemical combina- tion, the progress made will in great measure depend upon the mathematical attainments of those who cultivate it; for ' though calculation can never be allowed to supersede ex- periment, it will be found to be its best and surest guide. In other departments of Chemistry, a mind ready in in- vention, and fertile in resources, quick in discovering remote analogies, and ingenious in varying experiments, and con- triving new methods of research, is perhaps best calculated to arrive at distinction; whilst, in a third class of chemical inquiries, extreme accuracy of observation, and a rigorous attention to minute circumstances, appear the most valuable qualifications. It may therefore be fairly concluded, that Chemistry is capable of affording occupation to minds of the highest, as well as the most limited powers ; and those who enter upon the pursuit, conscious of their inferiority to some of the great names with which they may find themselves asso- ciated, will nevertheless derive both satisfaction and en- couragement from the reflection, that even if unequal to cope with these in investigating the higher departments of chemical philosophy, they may contribute in perhaps an equal degree to its advancement, by directing their atten- tion to the minuter details. Nor has Chemistry fewer claims to our attention, when viewed in connection with other branches of knowledge, than when considered with reference to its own intrinsic recom- mendations. It is needless to remark, that a more than superficial ac- quaintance with this science is essential in every gradation of medical practice; and that the physician, who should pretend to enter upon his profession unprepared with this
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