INSTRUMENTS OF RESEARCH
These applications of chemistry have been rendered possible by improved methods of investigation, a greater knowledge of the nature of matter itself, and the perfection of scientific instruments of precision. These instruments are so much finer and more delicate than our senses that they have been the means of disclosing the actual constitution of matter. A man might sit and “meditate” upon the nature of matter for years, but he would be no nearer an actualproofas to its constitution than he was at the beginning. It is generally conceded that Aristotle possessed one of the finest minds the world has ever known; yet any school boy today knows more of the ultimate constitution of matter than did Aristotle. The reason for this is that instrumental methods of research have enabled us to see and measure the ultimate properties of matter,—which our unaided senses would never permit us to do. The development of science in other fields, therefore, has rendered possible the rapid growth of chemistry, during the past century; and chemistry, in turn, has assisted the other sciences. Thus does all knowledge work hand in hand, when co-operation is rendered possible!