The Teaching of Elementary Chemistry

Abstract

DURING the past few years numerous expressions of dissatisfaction have been more or less openly uttered by members of the younger generation of English chemical teachers, and the opinion is gaining ground that instruction in the elements of the science can no longer be imparted entirely on the stereotyped lines of practice devised to suit the requirements of a bygone generation—of a time when a science of chemistry was but beginning to exist, and the conviction had not yet been acquired that the subject must ultimately be reckoned as a necessary element of a liberal education. Several of the objectors have advanced their criticisms to the constructive stage, thereby rendering great service to the cause; nevertheless we believe it is the general opinion that, although each contains numerous good points, all the schemes hitherto advanced are in the main failures, and that it is impossible to accept any one as it stands. The senior author of the works now under notice has been one of the most active objectors to the good old-fashioned style of teaching, and has told us in terms somewhat vague and general it is true, but none the less plainly, what we ought to do. Even chemists recognize, however, how comparatively easy it is to preach and yet how difficult to practice, and we have therefore patiently awaited the publication of details to guide us on the tortuous and narrow path to success. These details are now before us in the two books of which the titles are given at the head of this article; “they are intended to be used together,” say the authors, and “their object is to teach the elements of chemical science.” What will be the verdict of, say, a jury of schoolmasters—by far the most competent judges on such a question—as regards the merits of the scheme put forward by Messrs. Muir, Carnegie and Slater? We venture to predict, and we trust, that it will be, “Impossible.” In order to justify this statement we shall proceed to specify our objections to the scheme, trusting that, by so doing, some service may be rendered to a cause in which so many are now deeply interested, and which is undoubtedly of the highest importance to the community on account of the inestimable advantages to be derived from the teaching of the elements of experimental science, and especially of chemistry, in schools in a logical and systematic manner. Elementary Chemistry. By M. M. Pattison Muir, Fellow and Prælector in Chemistry of Gonville and Caius College, and Charles Slater, M.A., M.B., formerly Scholar of St. John's College, Cambridge. Practical Chemistry: a Course of Laboratory Work. By M. M. Pattison Muir Douglas Carnegie, Demonstrator of Chemistry, and formerly Scholar of Gonville and Caius College. (Cambridge, at the University Press, 1887.)