Page:Repository of Arts, Series 1, Volume 01, 1809, January-June.djvu/95

Rh with weapons dipped in the poison of calumny and falshood [sic]. But in another point of view the contest has been productive of effects, by which science has been materially benefited; it has occasioned a still greater accumulation of facts, a rigid examination of theories and opinions, and has given that tone and vigour to the cultivators of chemistry, which have ultimately elicited the most sublime and unlooked-for truths.

The principles of Lavoisier have triumphed, and arc now taught in all the chemical schools of Europe; his opponents have become his disciples; and, in fact, a single man erected the present system. A revolution so great and fortunate for the progress of the human mind, demands the respect and admiration of the present, and will surely obtain that of future ages. Lavoisier deserved an altar in the temple of science; but the French revolution shortened the bright career of this philosopher: Lavoisier perished, in the reign of the monster Robespierre, under the axe of the guillotine. The historians of this science will consecrate his name to posterity.

Such has been the rise and progress of chemistry. The barbarous, unmeaning, and arbitrary language of the old chemists, which rendered the science extremely difficult to be acquired or understood, has given, way to a more scientific phrasiology [sic]. The French chemists have furnished a rational nomenclature of the science, so constructed that every word and every combination has an appropriate meaning, and is intended to express the nature and composition of the substances which are represented. It is to this improvement in its language that we are able to ascribe the facility and precision with which the knowledge of chemistry can be communicated, and which has undoubtedly contributed greatly to its general diffusion and cultivation: and if there be any ground for hope as to its future progress, from distinguished talents, ardent zeal, and unceasing industry, those who are now engaged in the study of this science, give fair promise of a rich harvest. The late discoveries of Mr. Davy as to the metalleration of the earth and alcalies, and which is undoubtedly the most important discovery made in modern chemistry, give reason to believe, that this science will soon acquire a still more dignified and more honourable situation. Chemistry, in its present state, is no longer confined to the laboratory of the arts; it has extended its investigations to the sublimest heights of physical enquiries, and pursues a path formerly regarded as at best mysterious, if not impenetrable. From the useful we proceed to

A love of the ornamental and imitative arts is so interwoven with the moral existence of man, that scarcely any part of the world but is more or less cheered by their genial influence, and scarcely a page of history but is enlightened by their rays. It is in every country which gladdens, ennobles, and sustains intellectual exertion. It is which speaks of man to future ages, and proudly proclaim, “It is here he has existed; it is here the benevolent affections have been