The practical methods of organic chemistry

The present book has resulted primarily from the private needs of the author. If one is obliged to initiate a large number of students at the same time into organic laboratory work, it is frequently impossible, even with the best intentions, to direct the attention of each individual to the innumerable details of laboratory methods. In order that students, even in the absence of the instructor, can gain the assistance necessary for the carrying out of the common operations, a General Part, dealing with crystallisation, distillation, drying, analytical operations, etc., is given before the special directions for Preparations. In the composition of this General Part, it has been considered of more value to describe the most important operations in such a way that the beginner may be able to carry out the directions independently, rather than to give as fully as possible the numerous modifications of individual operations. In the Special Part, to each preparation are added general observations, which relate to the character and general significance of the reaction carried out in practice; and the result follows, that the student during the period given to laboratory work, becomes familiar with the most varied theoretical knowledge, which, acquired under these conditions adheres more firmly, as is well known, than if that knowledge were obtained exclusively from a purely theoretical book. And so the author hopes that his book, along with the excellent “ Introductions ” of E. Fischer and Levy, may here and there win some friends.

For the assistance given by his colleagues, in pointing out deficiencies of his work, the author will always be grateful.