The Project Gutenberg EBook of James Cutbush, by Edgar F. Smith

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Title: James Cutbush
An American Chemist, 1788-1823

Author: Edgar F. Smith

Release Date: February 27, 2008 [EBook #24706]

Language: English

Character set encoding: ASCII

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JAMES CUTBUSH

JAMES CUTBUSH

AN AMERICAN CHEMIST

1788-1823

BY
EDGAR F. SMITH
PROVOST OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Let us preserve the memory of the
deserving; perhaps it may prompt
others likewise to deserve--

PHILADELPHIA, PA.
1919

PRINTED BY J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY

TO
MY FELLOW-CHEMISTS

PREFACE

There is nothing thrilling in the following pages. They contain the
story of the life-work of a very modest man deeply interested in and
enamoured with the science of chemistry, who sought also to inspire
others and to familiarize the general public of his time with the
intimate connection of chemistry with manufactures and things which
enter so largely into every-day occupations. He was an active member
of a small group of chemists who, in the early years of eighteen
hundred, caused thousands of the laity to give thought to the
possibilities of Chemistry, and in addition was a pioneer in
pyrotechnics, on which account he is deservedly entitled to every
recognition. More than a century has passed since his most serious
efforts were put forth. However, it will not be long until that early
galaxy of chemical enthusiasts of which he was a member will be
accorded a high place in the history of the development of the science
in America.

JAMES CUTBUSH

AN AMERICAN CHEMIST

1788-1823

It is scarcely conceivable that anything pertaining to the development
of chemical science in America would fail to interest its chemists.
The response to the needs of the Nation in the last few years has
shown how marvelously they wrought and the wonderful things which they
brought to light. Yet in