Excerpt from Elements of Inorganic Chemistry

The condition of chemistry to-day differs greatly from that of twenty years ago. Within this period the new physical chemistry has come into existence, and several generalizations have already been reached which affect fundamentally the whole science of chemistry. Some of these can, and, in the opinion of the author, should be introduced very early in the study of the science.

Take the theory of electrolytic dissociation, which to-day is as well established as many of our laws of nature: It has shown us that it is the ions and not the atoms which are the active agents chemically. If the student is taught the contrary in the early stages of his work, later this must all be unlearned, and we know how difficult it is to correct first impressions. If we ask the question, why continue to teach chemistry from a purely atomic standpoint after it has been shown not to be in accord with the facts? about the only answer is that it is, perhaps, a little simpler than the chemistry of ions. This reply must, on reflection, be regarded as highly unsatisfactory. If a student can form a conception of an atom as the smallest indivisible particle of matter, would it be very difficult for him to form a conception of an atom carrying an electrical charge? Indeed, it would be no more difficult than to add to the conception of a piece of metal the charge which it carries when electrical energy has been supplied to it, and we do not hesitate in physics to ask him to take this step. Further, since we know that the ion and not the atom or the molecule is the factor which enters into most chemical reactions, we should insist upon it because it is true.

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