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"I am happy," said M. Waldman, "to have gained a disciple; and if

your application equals your ability, I have no doubt of your

success. Chemistry is that branch of natural philosophy in which

the greatest improvements have been and may be made; it is on

that account that I have made it my peculiar study; but at the

same time, I have not neglected the other branches of science. A

man would make but a very sorry chemist if he attended to that

department of human knowledge alone. If your wish is to become

really a man of science and not merely a petty experimentalist, I

should advise you to apply to every branch of natural philosophy,

including mathematics."

He then took me into his laboratory and explained to me the uses

of his various machines, instructing me as to what I ought to

procure and promising me the use of his own when I should have

advanced far enough in the science not to derange their

mechanism. He also gave me the list of books which I had

requested, and I took my leave.