Attempt at an Overview of Chemical Literature and its Branches

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Preface.

particular knowledge of chemical writings, if we also, as much as possible, do not leave any small work unnoticed, if we simultaneously make ourselves familiar with the life circumstances of the chemical writers, and emulate their zeal and industry despite all the obscurity of their times, it will be easier for us to distinguish exactly the bad from the good, and we will not be astonished by many an unexpected hypothesis. What an advantage it is when we can observe more closely the various changes in regard to those doctrines or systems according to which this excellent science has been treated from time to time through a history extending to all parts of chemistry, and are thereby enabled to uncover the flaws of every system, as well as to truly hope for a system which would leave no more wishes unfulfilled. These considerations have moved me to bring to light the present attempt at a Chemical Library. I well know that both ancients and moderns have worked on this subject, but it seems to me that each one has merely kept in mind those parts which constituted his favorite inclination. A Borell rarely falls into the hands of the youth because of its rarity, and it is inadequate for our times. Rothscholz also did not spread himself over all parts of chemistry, but mostly restricted himself to alchemy,