A system of chemistry, published in 1732, contribut ed, perhaps, as much as the theory of Stahl, though in a very different way, to the improvement and subsequem popularity of chemistry. This system was written by Boerhaave, one of the most accomplished philosophers. and perhaps the most celebrated physician, that ever flourished in modern Europe. A surreptitious copy of his chemical lectures having been printed by some of his pupils, lie was under the necessity, in 1732, of revis ing and publishing his system of chemistry : a system which contained a much fuller collection of chemical ex periments, and more exact directions for repeating them. than any previously offered to the world. The bounds of the science were enlarged by this acute philosopher, who had stored his mind with the principles of mecha nical philosophy. His account of fire, of thermometers, and other similar chemical instruments, was excellent, considering the period in which he wrote.
The taste for chemistry which these celebrated men had inspired, together with the numerous academies and societies of different kinds all over Europe, who dedi cated a portion of their time to chemical researches, oc casioned numerous publications on that subject, and se veral discoveries of importance were the result. The sci ence became more and more respectable, and the Stab lian theory was more completely developed, especially in Germany and in France, where several chemists of eminence successively cultivated the science. Among the German chemists, none holds a higher rank than Margraaf, a member of the Berlin Academy, to whom we are indebted for some very important discoveries. He first had the courage to call in question the authority of Stahl ; and his experiments on pho,,phorus destroyed one of the strong holds upon which the Stahlian theory de pended. Rouelle and Macquer, two Frenchmen, and associated teachers, were scarcely less celebrated ; the first as a skilful practical chemist, the second as an elo quent lecturer. The first may be considered as the foun der of the chemistry of animal bodies as it exists at pre sent. When he published his analysis of urine and blood, he had scarcely any model. To Macquer, born at Paris in 1718, we are indebted for an elementary trea tise on chemistry, written with such simplicity and per spicuity, that it stamped the form of subsequent works, and was even used in the different universities of Eu rope. We arc indebted to lacquer also for a dictiona ry of chemistry, first published in 176. which contribut ed in no common degree to the improvement of the sci ence. In this work, the different chemical substances
and instruments were described,—the theories were ex plained and examined,—the improvements still wanted were pointed out—the errors and imperfections were stated with a clearness and warmth which never fail to interest the reader. This dictionary was translated into Italian, German, and English ; and the translators, who were all well acquainted with the subject, rendered it still more complete by their valuable notes.
Chemistry was still far from being on a footing with mechanical philosophy. The reasoning employed was often loose and unsatisfactory, and frequently amounted to nothing more than far-fetched and ill-conducted ana logies. The correction of these faults required all the influence of a man who had been accustomed to the ri gid accuracy of mathematical demonstration,—whosc profound mind had embraced every part of human know ledge,—whose sound judgment could not be biassed by prejudice,—whose industry was not to be overcome by fatigue, or want of health,—whose candour and love of truth were not to be shaken,—and who generously sacri ficed himself to the improvement of the sciences. Nor need we name this philosopher. Every one who is not a total stranger to chemistry must have heard of Berg man, whose very name is a sufficient panegyric. This illustrious Swede was born in 1735, at Catherinberg, in Gothland. His father was receiver of the reve nues in that province, a post at that time neither very lu crative nor respectable, which induced him to urge his son to assume the profession of law or divinity. Young Bergman accordingly went to Upsal with that intention, and commenced his studies under the inspection of a friend. But he very soon testified a dislike to both the professions for which lie was intended, while lie mani fested a violent passion for mathematics and philosophy. His friend remonstrated with some severity, and pointed out the imprudence of his choice. Bergman listened in silence, but still persevered in his favourite pursuits. His friend deprived him of his books, restricted his stu dies, and left him only to choose between law and divini ty. This restraint almost proved fatal : Bergman's health declined ; it was found necessary for him to leave the university, and return home. His relations, finding it in vain to struggle with his inclinations, at last indulg ed them, and left him at liberty to pursue those studies of which he was so distractedly fond.