We propose to give, in a series of brief essays, such explanations and illustrations of the principles and peculiarities of the science of chemistry as may be the most immediately applicable to the arts and trades, the most useful to mechanics, and the most interesting to the curious, and readers in general.

Chemistry developes the composition and properties of bodies, and the combination of the various ingredients of which they are composed; also, the effects of one substance on another, and the art of decomposing, recomposing, separating and combining them, in such a manner as to examine minutely the several ingredients of which bodies are composed, and by new combinations thereof, to form or produce other substances entirely different from the original. There is no art or science by which a man can accomplish a work of creation with so much verity, as by chemistry. Liquids are changed to solids, and dry substances to liquids, and then again to air or gasses. Metallis bodies are reduced to earths; thence to transparent crystals or glass; thence to transparent liquids, and next to thin air, whence they may be again precipitated and restored to their original brilliant metallic state. From a limpid fluid, like water, a chemist will produce a marble statue; a silver urn; an iron bolt; or a glass decanter; also paints of various brilliant and durable colors, such as vermillion, prussian blue, chrome yellow, french green, spanish brown, red lead and white lead. The precious metals, gold and silver, are extracted from the lustreless rock, and appear in dazzling brilliancy; again, they are made to take the form of transparent fluid, or in the more invisible gaseous form, float off in the passing breeze. Such is chemistry; and we feel assured that this sublime and interesting science would not be long neglected by mechanics and working men if they could first be made aware of the utility of a knowledge of its principles, and the beauties and wonders of nature which are thereby brought to view.