Conversations on chemistry ; in which the elements of that science are familiarly explained. And illustrated by experiments, and sixteen copper-plate engravings. The ninth American from the eighth London edition, revised, corrected and englarged ; To which are now added, explanations of the text--questions for exercise--directions for simplifying the apparatus, and a vocabulary of terms--together with a list of interesting experiments ; By J.L. Comstock, M.D / [Mrs Marcet (Jane Haldimand)].

  • Jane Marcet
Date:
1824
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Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Conversations on chemistry ; in which the elements of that science are familiarly explained. And illustrated by experiments, and sixteen copper-plate engravings. The ninth American from the eighth London edition, revised, corrected and englarged ; To which are now added, explanations of the text--questions for exercise--directions for simplifying the apparatus, and a vocabulary of terms--together with a list of interesting experiments ; By J.L. Comstock, M.D / [Mrs Marcet (Jane Haldimand)]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    ADVERTISEMENT OF THE AMERICAN EDITOR. THE familiar and agreeable manner in which the “ Conversa- tions on Chemistry’* are written, renders this one of the most pop¬ ular treatises on the subject which has ever appeared. The elegant and easy style also, in which the authoress has managed to convey scientific instruction is peculiarly adapted to the object of the work. In some respects, however, the English edition may be considered as objectionable. A book designed for the instruction of youths ought if possible to contain none but established principles. Known and allowed facts are always of much higher consequence than theoretical opinions. To youth, particularly, by advancing as truths, doctrines which have arisen out of a theory not founded oh demonstration, we run a chance of inculcating permanent error. In these respects we think that Mrs. Bryan has not been suffi¬ ciently guarded. The brilliant discoveries of Sir Humphrey Davy, and his known eminence as a Chemical Philosopher, seem in many instances to have given his opinions an authority, which in the mind o*f the writer, superseded further investigation. Indeed, inferences are sometimes drawn from these opinions which they hardly warrant. Under this view of the subject, a part of the notes are designed to guard the pupil against adopting opinions which he will find either contradicted, or merely examined by most chemical writers. In addition to this, I have made such explanations of the text as I thought would assist the pupil in understanding what he read. In attempting to make this science popular, and of general utility, it is of great importance that the experiments come within the use of such instruments as are easilyr obtained. 1 have therefore given such directions on this subject as my former experience, as a lec¬ turer, with a small apparatus, taught me to believe would be of ser¬ vice. The questions, I believe, will be found to involve whatever is most important to be known throughout the work. The list of experiments was chiefly made up without referring to books ; some few of them, however, are copied from Parke, Ac- cum, &c. Hartford, Ct. Jan. 1, 1822.