And every pleasant show revives our woful hearts again.
Surrey, Ecclesiastes, c. 3.
| Chemist, | } |
| Chemistry. |
The distinction between the alchemist and the ‘chemist,’ that the first is the fond searcher after the philosopher’s stone or the elixir vitæ, the other the follower of a true and scientific method in a particular region of nature, is of comparatively recent introduction into the language. ‘Chemist’ is = ‘alchemist’ in the quotations which follow.
Five sorts of persones he [Sir Edward Coke] used to foredesign to misery and poverty; chemists, monopolizers, concealers,[10] promoters, and rythming poets.—Fuller, Worthies of England: Norfolk.
I have observed generally of chymists and theosophists, as of several other men more palpably mad, that their thoughts are carried much to astrology.—H. More, A Brief Discourse of Enthusiasm, sect. 45.
Visions and inspirations some expect,
Their course here to direct;
Like senseless chemists their own wealth destroy,
Imaginary wealth to enjoy.