A Course of Analytical Chemistry (Qualitative and Quantitative)

Abstract

THIS work forms a volume of Weale's Rudimentary Series, and is advertised “as specially adapted for the use of those students who intend competing in the Advanced or Honours Stage Examinations (Inorganic Chemistry) of the Science and Art Department, also for preparing those intended to sit for the higher class examinations at Colleges, Public Schools,” &c. The success which several well-known serial publications of a similarly special nature have deservedly had, appears to have stimulated the publishers of Weale's Series to embark in this enterprise. As the excellence of most of their former publications will be generally admitted, we can only regret that a literary (?) production displaying such deplorable ignorance should ever have found a place in their series. It has rarely been our duty to pass judgment ou a more carelessly gotup book. Had it not been advertised as specially adapted for the use of the Science Classes under the Science and Art Department, we might have put it aside with a hearty laugh over the many absurd blunders it contains. Since a practice has, however, sprung up of late to cater for the wants of Science Classes, by printing books (sometimes obtained on commission) privately, and advertising them by means of post-cards, at so many postage stamps a copy, whereby these books manage to escape the eye of the reviewer, and as we fear that much mischief is being done by certain cheap cram-books, strung together with a view to save the teacher as much trouble as possible, our readers will perhaps bear with us if we examine the book before us somewhat closely. If rumour speaks true, some teachers manage to teach chemistry—even analytical chemistry—without ever touching a test-tube or performing the simplest experiments. Questions from previous examinations are eagerly collected and “worked” in the belief that the examiner is sure to give, if not the same questions, at least others of a similar nature. We need not fear giving offence to those earnest and hard-working men, engaged, often on a mere pittance and under most adverse and discouraging circumstances, in imparting a sound knowledge of chemistry in places which would not otherwise be reached by any educational efforts, if we conclude from the course of analytical chemistry before us, that some teachers (Mr. Webster styles himself Lecturer on Metallurgy and the Applied Sciences, Nottingham) are deplorably ignorant of the science they profess to teach.

A Course of Analytical Chemistry (Qualitative and Quantitative).

By William W. Pink G. E. Webster. (London: Lockwood & Co., 1874.)