Chemistry has not hitherto been considered in detail with reference to Natural Theology; the difficulties, therefore, incidental to a first attempt, added to those arising from the nature of Chemistry itself as a science, must be the apology of the author for numerous imperfections in this treatise.

The peculiar chemical opinions advanced, would never have appeared in their present form; had not the author been strongly impressed with the belief that they are calculated, sooner or later, to bring chemical action under the dominion of the laws of quantity; and had he not despaired, under his professional engagements, of being himself able to submit them to experimental proof. These opinions, however, have been always introduced as mere illustrations.

The argument of design is necessarily cumulative; that is to say, is made up of many similar arguments. To avoid repetitions therefore, the illustration of principles rather than of details, has been studied; and the application of particular facts to the argument, has been often left to the Reader.