A Handbook of Chemical Manipulation

Excerpt from A Handbook of Chemical Manipulation

The only work in our language specially devoted to Chemical Manipulation has long been out of print, while probably at no time has a guide to the Student in his experiments been more needed.

Within the last few years modes of manipulating have undergone many changes, and a vast number of processes, involving the use of complex apparatus, have been invented. Chemistry is doubtless in a transition state; eventually, and, as it approaches perfection, processes will be simplified, and we shall obtain reactions by more simple and direct methods. Possibly, although we dare scarcely hope it, we may eventually rival the fabled simplicity of the Rosicrucian, and, by the aid of a few simple vessels, obtain far more beautiful compounds than we now procure with all our elaborate appliances.

Manipulation is to chemistry what Bacon conceived mathematics to be to science, and as such "should know her place;" nevertheless the importance of manipulation cannot be overrated. The good, and therefore successful manipulator, will do far more work than he who is deficient in that respect, and his researches will be of a higher order. The time expended by an awkward or clumsy operator in merely attaining accuracy, will be devoted by the skilful chemist to the exploration of new fields.

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