An introductory lecture on the advantages and pleasures of the study of chemistry : delivered in the chemical laboratory of Transylvania University on the 11th Nov. 1831, and published at the request of the class / by Lunsford P. Yandell.

  • Yandell, Lunsford P. (Lunsford Pitts), 1805-1878.
Date:
1831
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An introductory lecture on the advantages and pleasures of the study of chemistry : delivered in the chemical laboratory of Transylvania University on the 11th Nov. 1831, and published at the request of the class / by Lunsford P. Yandell. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    which metals and charcoal are consumed with an intensity of light, scarcely surpassed by that of the mid-day sun. And yet what processes are more unlike each other than the rusting of metals, the burning of wood or candles, the production oi acids, and our own respiration? The fruitfulness of nature in producing variety out of a few elements is exemplified by carbon, in its various forms and com- binations. This substance composes, in a good degiee, the fuel which we consume, whether in the form of wood or coal, the tood upon wiiich we subsist, the clothing which we wear, and the materials for artificial light. It constitutes, chiefly, the feath- ers of birds, the hair of quadrupeds, the scales of hsh and rep- tiles, and the fat of all animals. In combination with oxygen, it enters largely into the composition of our limestone rocks, is the sparkling ingredient of soda-water, beer, cider, and champaign wine, abounds in many mineral springs, and is found in nearly all our spring and well water, for without it, even this pure antediluvian beverage, would be compara- tively vapid. With oxygen, it forms an aerial acid. With hy- drogen, an inflammable gas. In one form it appears as char- coal, in another as the brilliant diamond, and in a third,as plum- bago or black lead. Vegetables mainly subsist upon it; and, in combination with oxygen, hydrogen and azote, it is the lar- gest ingredient in the composition of our own bodies. In the shape of a gas, it is escaping continually from the lungs of animals, and from decomposing vegetable and animal mat- ter. It is computed that 11 ounces troy, are disengaged from the blood every 24 hours; which amounts to more than twice the weight of a living man in the course of a year. In one shape it is one of the most friendly agents which man has un- der his control, contributing liberally to his enjoyment, and even sustaining his life. In another, it is the reverse. Its ac- tion upon the lungs in the form of an oxide or acid, is eminently poisonous, producing death in a few moments, as happens to animals exposed to the Grotto Del Cani, near Naples, and as has befallen many an unwary laborer, from descending into old wells. A substance thus deleterious and so extensively o-ene- rated, would become, in a short time, a source of much incon- venience, and even lead to the extinction of animal beings were not ample provision made in nature for its removal. But here, as in all other cases, we witness that perfect system of checks and balances, by which all things are kept within their proper sphere, and harmony and order are made to result. Water has a strong affinity for it, and its base is the food of