All these facts are shown
to find a ready explanation by the aid of the new hypothesis. Further,
it is shown that the decompositions of the salts of certain halogen
derivatives of organic acids, which give up halogen salt and carbon
dioxide, as well as the formation of lactones and of anhydrides of
dibasic acids, are in perfect harmony with the hypothesis. But the only
way to get a clear conception in regard to the mass of material which
the author has brought together and which he has shown to support his
hypothesis is by a careful study of the original paper, and the object
of this notice is mainly to call the attention of American chemists to
it.
As to the question what value to attach to the speculations which
Wislicenus has brought to our notice, it is difficult to give any but a
general answer. No one can well have a greater fear of mere speculation,
which is indulged in independently of the facts, than the writer of this
notice. Great harm has been done chemistry, and probably every other
branch of knowledge, by unwarranted speculation, and every one who has
looked into the matter knows how extremely difficult it is to emancipate
one's self from the influence of a plausible hypothesis, even when it
can be shown that it is not in accordance with the facts. It behooves
every one, therefore, before accepting a new hypothesis, no matter how
fascinating it may appear at first sight, to look carefully into the
facts, and to endeavor to determine independently whether it is well
founded or not.
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