Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1832 edition. Excerpt: ... INTRODUCTORY. Why is the science of chemistry so named? Because of its origin from the Arabic, in which language it signifies " the knowledge of the composition of bodies." The following definitions of chemistry have been given by some of our best writers: --" Chemistry is the study of the effects of heat and mixture, with the view of discovering their general and subordinate laws, and of improving the useful arts."--Dr. Black. " Chemistry is that science which examines the constituent parts of bodies, with reference to their nature, proportions, and method of combination."--Bergman. "Chemistry is that science which treats of those events or changes, in natural bodies, which are not accompanied by sensible motions."--Dr. Thompson. " Chemistry is a science by which we become acquainted with the intimate and reciprocal action of all the bodies in nature upon each other."--Fourcroy. The four preceding definitions are quoted by Mr. Parkes, in his Chemical Catechism, Dr. Johnson (from Arbuthnot) defines " chemistry" as " philosophy by fire." Mr. Brande says " It is the object of chemistry to investigate all changes in the constitution of matter, whether effected by heat, mixture, or other means."--Manual, 3rd edit. 1830. Dr. Ure says " Chemistry may be defined the science which investigates the composition of material substances, and the permanent changes of constitution which their mutual actions produce."--Dictionary, edit. 1830. Sir Humphry Davy, in his posthumous work, says, " There is nothing more difficult than a good definition of chemistry; for it is scarcely possible to express, in a few words, the abstracted view of an infinite variety of facts. Dr. Black has defined chemistry to be that science which treats of the changes produced...