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He said that "These were men to whose indefatigable zeal modern

philosophers were indebted for most of the foundations of their

knowledge. They had left to us, as an easier task, to give new

names and arrange in connected classifications the facts which

they in a great degree had been the instruments of bringing to

light. The labours of men of genius, however erroneously

directed, scarcely ever fail in ultimately turning to the solid

advantage of mankind." I listened to his statement, which was

delivered without any presumption or affectation, and then added

that his lecture had removed my prejudices against modern

chemists; I expressed myself in measured terms, with the modesty

and deference due from a youth to his instructor, without letting

escape (inexperience in life would have made me ashamed) any of

the enthusiasm which stimulated my intended labours. I requested

his advice concerning the books I ought to procure.