ADDRESS
TO THE READER.
That Chemistry is one of the most sublime sciences is generallyacknowledged; to it may be ascribed the brilliant discoveries latelymade in the arts and sciences, and without whose aid the wonderfulphenomena, which are the subject of the following pages, could neverhave been discovered. The Author has for some time observed the wonderoccasioned by the introduction of the chemical FulminatingObjects to the Public: they are indeed objects of wonder, andwhen it is considered how trifling a portion of matter it requires toproduce effects so surprising, we cannot but hail that science as trulygrand, which can create such rare productions, from what we dailyhandle, with such safety and unconcern, and without which we should beat a loss to carry on our intercourse in trade; I mean Silver, which isthe basis of all the objects presented to view. I have long seen withastonishment the manufacture of these objects, and the knowledge ofthat manufacture confined to very few persons, and I considered that itcould not but be very much wished by all who had witnessed theseastonishing productions, to acquire a true knowledge of how, and bywhat means, they were produced; I therefore examined them minutely, andhaving discovered their composition, I have given them to the Public inan entire and perfect form, accompanied with patterns of the mostdifficult, and have enlarged them by several objects of my owninvention. That they will be found an innocent amusement, as well as asafeguard, need not be doubted, and also tend to exemplify theastonishing powers of Chemistry, the study of which I would earnestlyrecommend to all who have not studied that science, and to those whohave, to continue it with a steady perseverance. It is a study initself truly sublime, it is highly conducive to morality, and tendsmost materially to convince every wavering or doubting mind, that theworld we inhabit, and all its necessaries, its conveniences, itsluxuries, and its blessings, are the work of that Divine Author
"Who sees, with equal eye, as God of all,
A hero perish, or a sparrow fall."
Pope.
Having said thus much, I can only assure my reader, that by adhering tothe rules I have laid down in the following pages, they may enjoy arational and innocent employment of time, and be able to inform learnedenquirers the nature and properties of the objects of their leisurehours' amusement, and that it may inspire them with a thirst for neareracquaintance with chemical truths, is the sincere wish of
THE AUTHOR.
March 1, 1818.