Chemistry, the sister science of physics, often finds herself face to face with problems which by their nature are related to both these sciences, or which necessitate the use of methods of study belonging to the domain of physics. Hence, there arose an intermediate branch of science, physical chemistry, in the beginning of which Italy also 'participated when Avogadro formulated his celebrated law which correlates the volume of different gases 'with the num ber of the molecules they contain. Canniz zaro, the Nestor of Italian chemistry of the present day, insisted on the exact distinction between atoms and molecules, which was due likewise to Avogadro. In order to determine the molecular weight of composite substances, Cannizzaro made use for the first time of the density of their vapors. The' recent prog ress in physical chemistry, which was inaugu rated some decades ago by the study of dilute solutions, and by the application of the princi ples of thermo-dynamics in the investigation of certain problems in chemistry, was greatly aided by the contributions of Italy in the labors of Patern6 and his pupils, and of the schools of Ciamician and Nasint. Cannizzaro's re searches on the subject of alcohols are also notatile. The labors in organic I chemistry- of Ciamician, excellent as a teacher, are also cele brated, as well as his studies, carried on in association with Silber, on certain chemical actions of light. Nasini is another brilliant teacher, who has recently made a study of the gases and radio-active emanations of the, thermal springs and baths of Italy. Finally, in the domains where chemistry is auxiliary to other sciences we must mention Selmi, who dis covered the ptomaines, and Guareschi, who contributed greatly to legal chemistry.
Among modern zoologists Italy can boast Grassi, who discovered the secret of the agation and metamorphosis of the eel, and by, means of his celebrated researches, carried on in association with Bignami and Bastianelli, es tablished beyond a doubt the fact that mos quitoes, and especially the Anopheles claviger, or large mosquito, are the agents in the fusion of the parasite of malaria. These re searches opened a way by means of which unsuccessful attempts have been made to fight malaria infection (and other diseases that are transmitted in like manner), whether by tak ing timely precautions against the sting of these insects,, or by extirpating the insects themselves by drying up the marshes in which their larvae abound. Another eminent zoologist, Emery,
author of an able manual of his science, has also acquired deserved fame through his mono graph on the Fierasfer, and he is equally well known for his exact and diligent studies in the ant world.
In botany, Italy has given us Malpighi (1628 94), who was the first to discover the mech anism of nutrition in plants, and the relative function of foliage. In modern times we have Delpino (1833-1905), an eminently scientific mind and the inaugurator of vegetable biology, which from 1867 he has dissociated from physi ology. It is he who by systematic research established the functions of animals, and of the atmospheric factors in the biology of flow ers, and who classified plants' with exactness, according to the manner of their fecundation: In the past and in the present generation we may mention Parlatore and Camel, horticul turists; Saccardo, the mycologist, to whom we owe the fungorum omnium) ; and Pirotta, author of a vegetable physiology.
This cursory review of the condition of the sciences in Italy does not pretend to be ex haustive. In the midst of the activities and feverish life of a great nation it is difficult enough, if. not impossible, to distinguish all the ideas that contain in themselves the germ of future progress, and the calm and impartial ob server would find himself at a disadvantage if he should try to classify all intellects and weigh all merits. Instead of being a finished picture which is placed before the reader, this is only a rough sketch — a sketch, however, which while not defining particulars, should give a lively and clear impression of the es sential characteristics of the object represented. And, thus, this sketch is intended to indicate whatever there is of enduring excellence or is characteristic in the scientific life of modern Italy.