Qualitative Chemical Analysis

Abstract

THE present edition of Fresenius is one which will be looked at by chemists with interest. In the last so-called edition of Fresenius's Chemical Analysis, published in 1869, the text had been so altered and curtailed that the volume could scarcely be recognised as Fresenius of old, it having been reduced to about one half of its original size. It appears, however, that this condensation did not coincide with the author's views, and in this edition we have simply a translation of the original text. The editor in his preface confesses that he then, in the last edition, took too broad a view of his duty. It certainly seemed strange that a work which had passed through twelve German editions with a gradual and steady enlargement, could be condensed to about one-half without losing a considerable amount of its clearness and usefulness. We confess that we heard with pleasure of the appearance of the eighth English edition of this work, but, unfortunately, our pleasant anticipation has been to some extent marred.

Qualitative Chemical Analysis.

By Dr. C. Remigius Fresenius. Eighth edition. Translated from the 13th German edition, by A. Vacher. (London: J. and A. Churchill)