Eub.—­I have often wondered that men of fortune and of rank do not apply themselves more to philosophical pursuits; they offer a delightful and enviable road to distinction, one founded upon the blessings and benefits conferred on our fellow-creatures; they do not supply the same sources of temporary popularity as successes in the senate or at the bar, but the glory resulting from them is permanent and independent of vulgar taste or caprice.  In looking back to the history of the last five reigns in England, we find Boyles, Cavendishes, and Howards, who rendered those great names more illustrious by their scientific honours; but we may in vain search the aristocracy now for philosophers, and there are very few persons who pursue science with true dignity; it is followed more as connected with objects of profit than those of fame, and there are fifty persons who take out patents for supposed inventions for one who makes a real discovery.

Phil.—­The information we have already received from you proves to me that chemistry has been your favourite pursuit.  I am surprised at this.  The higher-mathematics and pure physics appear to me to offer much more noble objects of contemplation and fields of discovery, and, practically considered, the results of the chemist are much more humble, belonging principally to the apothecary’s shop and the kitchen.

Eub.—­I feel disposed to join you in attacking this favourite study of our friend, but merely to provoke him to defend it.  I wish our attack would induce him to vindicate his science, and that we might enjoy a little of the sport of literary gladiators, at least, in order to call forth his skill and awaken his eloquence.

The Unknown.—­I have no objection.  Let there be a fair discussion; remember we fight only with foils, and the point of mine shall be covered with velvet.  In your attack upon chemistry, Philalethes, you limited the use of it to the apothecary’s shop and the kitchen.  The first is an equivocal use; by introducing it into the kitchen you make it an art fundamental to all others.  But if what you had stated had really meant to be serious, it would not have deserved a reply; as it is in mere playfulness, it shall not be thrown away.  I want eloquence, however, to adorn my subject, yet it is sufficiently exciting even to awaken feeling.  Persons in general look at the magnificent fabric of civilized society as the result of the accumulated labour, ingenuity, and enterprise of man through a long course of ages, without attempting to define what has been owing to the different branches of human industry and science; and usually attribute to politicians, statesmen, and warriors a much greater share than really belongs to them in the work:  what they have done is in reality little.  The beginning of civilization is the discovery of some useful arts by which men acquire property, comforts, or luxuries.  The necessity or desire of preserving them leads