A Course of Chemistry

-cious Lords, to a chemical book original: "Chymischen Buche"; at this time, "chemical" often referred to alchemical or pharmaceutical works which owes its essence to a foreigner, its life to the publisher, and nothing to me but the German translation. Yet against this, on one side, the laws of gratitude speak for my undertaking, and on the other, the duty of obedience; I could, in case of need, also borrow something foreign from another, since I do not currently have as much in my own means as would be necessary for the expression of my humble disposition.

It is already running into the third year since I have had the good fortune to come to Your Excellency's gracious remembrance, High-Born Baron original: "Hoch-Wohlgebohrner Freyherr"; a formal title for a member of the lower nobility. If I did not now remember that you are by nature hateful of all flattery original: "Schmeicheleyen", and were most favorably inclined toward those who [you]...