The whole of the experiments are very suggestive, and full of thought; and not only indicate very forward views of the elementary constitution of organic and inorganic matter, but also moot questions which have not lost any of their interest by the most recent investigations. He concludes by observing that he had undertaken these experiments for the reasons already assigned, and because he had imbibed the idea that the ultimate particles of matter were the same.
He remarks that the progress of chemistry had not been applied, in every respect, to the best purpose; that men's views were becoming contracted by being directed to individual objects; and that they had ceased to contemplate the beautiful and extensive subject of matter and its combinations; and he complains that even Fourcroi, Lavoisier, and Chaptal, either avoid the subject, or do not sufficiently consider it. We must recollect this was said before Sir H. Davy had made his splendid discoveries. Abernethy, after observing that he hopes his experiments will induce others to investigate the subject, concludes thus:
"I know not any thought that, on contemplation, can so delight the mind with admiration of the simplicity and power evident in the operations of the Creator, as the consideration that, by different arrangement and motion of singular atoms, He has produced that variety of substances found in the world, and which are so conducive to the wants and gratification of the creatures who inhabit it."
DISSECTION OF A WHALE.
SECTION I.
"Mors sola fatetur
Quantula sint hominum corpuscula."
Juv.