the long ago--in the days of which we only
know by hearsay, and through desultory reading, there lived chemists
with enthusiasm, knowledge and initiative, whose aim it was to have
their chosen science contribute to the welfare of humanity. In the
labors of such men as James Woodhouse, Robert Hare, Adam Seybert,
Henry Seybert, John Redman Coxe, Joseph Cloud, Gerard Troost, and many
others, the scientific spirit predominated, although with it went the
purpose, more or less sharply defined, of making their acquirements
useful. Particularly noticeable was this in the instance of Woodhouse.

The general consensus of opinion among present-day chemists is that
chemistry should be helpful to all. It may and should be scientific,
but its principles ought to be scientifically applied in every useful
manner.

The reader, desirous of learning the aims and ambitions of the fathers
of the science in our country, will profit by turning to the files of
the _Aurora_, an old daily paper of Philadelphia, for the year 1808,
and beginning about the middle of July will there encounter a most
interesting series of articles on the applications of chemistry under
the general heading

APPLICATION OF CHEMISTRY TO ARTS AND MANUFACTURES

There are fifteen separate papers. In considering the
period--1808,--the age of the young Republic, and that the times were
far from quiet; that unrest and uncertainty prevailed as to the fate
of the Republic, it does not surprise that thought should have been
given to means of protection; hence gunpowder was the very first
product to engage the author of the series of articles. The proving
and analysis of the powder are discussed at length. The methods appear
very primitive in the light of present-day knowledge, but one must not
forget the period. One hundred years hence the masterpieces of
present-day chemists will perhaps provoke smiles upon the
countenances of those who perchance read them. In this pioneer
contribution on gunpowder analysis the charcoal of the powder is often
called "oxid of carbon." In referring to the separation of potassium
and sodium it is recommended to precipitate out the first in the form
of tartrate. Naturally, nitre itself comes in for serious thought and
the explosibility of the mixture of charcoal, nitre and sulphur
arrests the author's attention, for he emphasizes the fact--

"that, independent of the formation of gases or airs, the
agency of caloric, or matter of