Some new experiments, with observations upon heat, clearly shewing the erroneous principles of the French theory : also, a letter to Henry Cavendish, containing some pointed animadversions; with strictures upon some late chemical papers in the Philosophical Transactions, and other remarks / by Robert Harrington.

  • Harrington, Robert, 1751-1837.
Date:
1798
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Some new experiments, with observations upon heat, clearly shewing the erroneous principles of the French theory : also, a letter to Henry Cavendish, containing some pointed animadversions; with strictures upon some late chemical papers in the Philosophical Transactions, and other remarks / by Robert Harrington. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by Royal College of Physicians, London. The original may be consulted at Royal College of Physicians, London.

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    at their tribunal, and to pafs their Ten^ence ac- cording to thnr jufticc. But, in fixing their judgment, I hope, they will carefully weigh the faifts pro and con. No doubt. Sir, you will call this letter prefump- tuous; and if I do not prove the French theory to be egtegtoujly lalfc, and alfo, if called upon, fliew- that everv mean, illiberal, and fliameful artifice has been made ufe of to rcprefsfair mvcfligation, i will agree with you that it is prefumptuous. When a man believes he has truth and juilice on his fide, when his opponents da:e not openly refute, but take every method that cunning and art can invent to fupprefs fair inveftigarion, alter they have been publicly called upon ; then under thofe circum- Ifances, Mr. Cavendilh, I think, that I neither do jufiice to fcience, truth, nor mylelf, if I do not Hate my grievance to the world. I acknow ledge that my language is harlh and pointed ; but Sir, I appeal to your behaviour for its jufiification ; I am aware of the great influence of this overbearing combination, 1 know that it is great and mighty,, and, like many tyrants, has its janifanes ,the herd of reviewers) to fira-ngle its adverfaries. As to thefe gentry, 1 think they muft feel them-- felves really difarmed after my lafi heavy charges, which they were unable to anfw er, therelore thefe charges (fill fiand in all their force. ’ But I am afraid, 1 am paying their leelings too great a compliment, tor they are entienched in brafs and ignorance, and deride the lhafts of honor, jufiice,and truih: they now do not comment upon or analize my publii ations, but condemn en mafs^ as they found th y wcie failing in unknown feas beyond heir weak p^owers to fathom. But, Mr. Cavendifii, I mull: apologize for ranking in luch company, and alio to myfelt in con- defeending.