A History of Hindu Chemistry from the Earliest Times to the Middle of the Sixteenth Century A.D. v1.c17.39

v1.c17.39

P. XXVI." . . . I saw that several chymists had, by a laudable diligence obtian'd various productions, hit upon many more phenomena, considerable in their kind, than could well be expected from their narrow principles : but finding the generality of those addicted to chymistry, to have had scarce any view, but to the preparation of medicines, or to the improving of metals, I was tempted to consider the art, not as a physician or an alchymist, but a philosopher. And, with this view, I once drew up a scheme world, have kept up the old traditions.¹ In their own way they display marvellous skill in damescening, making ornamental designs on metals, carving on ivory, enamelling, weaving, dyeing lace-making, goldsmith's and jeweller's works, etc.²