Chemistry (Classic Reprint)

Ix preparing a second edition of the work on Chemistry by tlie late Professor Brande and myself, I have endeavored to carry out the principles which influenced us in the selection of subjects and in the mode of treating them. We felt that there was a large amount of useful chemical knowledge available for the student, but that it was too often locked up in elaborate treatises, and incorporated with subjects of no practical interest. Our object in undertaking this work was to furnish the reader, whether a student of medicine or a man of the world, with a plain introduction to the science and practice of chemistry. With this view, we avoided as much as possible the introduction of questions connected with abstract science or with chemical philosophy, and we excluded from our pages the formulae and descriptions of substances which were never likely to be seen except as rare and curious specimens in the cabinets of professors. The chemistry of every-day life is quite sufi cient to give full occupation to a medical student. I f, after the completion of his medical education, he has the time and inclination to devote to the study of atoms and the numerous and conflicting hypotheses on their combinations in groups and series, there can be no objection to his taking up the examination of these recondite subjects, but let him make himself master of what is simple and practical before he occupies valuable time in studying that which is complex and hypothetical. The ordinary and well-known notation, based on the equivalent or combining weights of bodies which was adopted in the first, is adhered to in this edition. Although not perfect, it is based upon simple and intelligible principles. The new methods of notation must be regarded as still upon their trial.
(Typographical errors above are due to OCR software and don't occur in the book.)

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