left in comparative neglect. It is true, also, that the field is limitless; but this is not a reason for doing nothing in it. Fifty years ago, the workers in inorganic analysis were unprovided with a comprehensive system, but they went on exploring the mineral kingdom and using their scanty means to gain valuable results.

That this compilation is a fragmentary and very brief exponent of this part of analytical science as it exists at present, the author is fully aware, but he hopes that, as a beginning, it may prove to be worth enough to afford an opportunity for its improvement hereafter.

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, September, 1874.