PREFACE. THIS little book contains a short description of a course of practical chemistry, which an experience of many years has proved suitable for those commencing the study of the science. The work is, however, not intended to supplant, but rather to supplement instruction given by the Teacher, as it points out the principles of the various processes and names the various reactions without entering into the details of the necessary manipulation, which after all can only be satisfactorily learnt by practical demonstration. The subject-matter has been carefully compiled, under my supervision, by Mr. Francis Jones, formerly Junior Demonstrator in this Laboratory, and many improvements in the analytical tables are due to Mr. Schorlemmer, F.R.S., the Senior Demonstrator. To those about to use the book, I would give the following advice : : 1. Be sure you understand the theoretical explanation (for which you may have to refer to other books) as well as the practical part of the experiment, or the reaction, which you perform. 2. Keep careful notes of each day's laboratory work, and write out answers to the questions found at the end of these pages. 3. One of the first virtues in the practical chemist is cleanliness. Learn to work neatly, and you will soon obtain exact views of the science. Those who work in a mess not unfrequently get their minds in a muddle. THE OWENS COLLEGE, MANCHESTER, October, 1872. H. E. ROSCOE. |