. Krempe had exhibited. 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.
    »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.
    Thus ended a day memorable to me: it decided my future destiny.
 

                                   Chapter IV

From this day natural philosophy, and particularly chemistry, in the most
comprehensive sense of the term, became nearly my sole occupation. I read with
ardour those works, so full of genius and discrimination, which modern enquirers
have written on these subjects. I attended the lectures, and cultivated the
acquaintance, of the men of science of the university; and I found even in M.
Krempe a great deal of sound sense and real information, combined, it is true,
with a repulsive physiognomy
