Friedrichstadt Leisure or the Chemical Tantalus

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Dedication.

It is a most ancient and modern custom to dedicate the offspring of one’s intellect to great men or sometimes to illustrious Colleges. I have decided to follow these footsteps at this time. I have been a member of your Carolo-Leopoldine Academy The Leopoldina Academy, named for Emperor Leopold I. for 42 years—a society more illustrious than any other that the sun has seen, if we except the College of the Apostles under their Master Jesus Christ. After the pious death of the most excellent polymath Velsch, you granted me the name Nestor II. I consider myself unworthy of this name, as I acknowledge Velsch as my Leader and Teacher in all parts of the medical art, and I yield the palm to him. But since it pleased the Conscript Fathers of the Academy, I have embraced this name, and in return for my gratitude, I offer this my fourteenth treatise written on this subject. I have chosen to inscribe it with a humble spirit, and indeed for this reason: because this Academy is also adorned by such excellent chemists who recognize hardly any equals in this field of study, and no one superior, of whom I am a student. If only there were an occasion to sit at the feet of one or another from the illustrious order of Gamaliel A reference to the biblical teacher of Paul, symbolizing a desire to sit at the feet of a master., and from his mouth to savor true wisdom; or if there were an opportunity to establish a literary exchange among us, through which we might communicate experiments to one another. But this, my final desire, is hindered by a heavy old age, which will soon deliver me to death, so that I may become food for worms. It is enough to have wished and indicated this.

If I were to weigh the fate of my life, which depends solely on the mercy and clemency of God, I experience that which is read in Psalm 91:16, for with God's help I have brought my age to the 77th year, which I will complete on the 25th of October. I have taught Physics at this Christian-Albrecht University for 43 years, was declared Honorary Professor by the clemency of His Serene Highness, and I am recognized as the Senior of the entire Academy, both by reason of my vocation and my age, and indeed the Senior of all physicians in Holstein. If I look at the vast pile of benefits with which, as far as...