Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1854-02-08
For the Standard.
CHAPEL HILL, Jan. %, 1861

CHAPEL HILL, Jan. 20, 1864.
W. w. HOLDEN, Esq.-Sir: In the Standard of
the 14th instant, have some structures my
analysis, lately published in the paper Since
it is the duty of every friend of science to put
ror to flight come whence it may, wish to notice
the errors into which DIR. Tompkns has fallen in at
tempting to prove my analysis entirely incorrect"
DIR. T6mpkins assumes that took only one hum
dred grains of SOIL and therefore argues that did
not take enough. This assumption is entirely gratu-
tous and the quantity taken was in every instance
sufficient for the correct determination of the ingre
dients sought.
Dr. Tompkins states that the Phosphoric Acid is
estimated to be three one-hundredths of grain /"
and is therefore too small quantity to be detected
This also rests on the assumption that took only
one hundred grains of soil. Even. if [ had taken
only chat quantity there would have been nothing at
all incredible in stating that the Phosphoric Acid
from it had been weighed. For the balance which
used in all these determinations gave with perfect
accuracy one-one- hundreth of grain, and saw
few days ago balance made by mechanic of our
country, which will detect less than one one
MOuSandth of grain.
The loss which l found--thirty mine one-hun-
dredtlls of per CENTS in way remarkable
BY reference to the anal of soils made by different
Chemists the loss will be found to be sometimes
more, sometimes less.
DIR. Tompkins contends that farmer in State
"with perhaps few exceptions, would know what
required to renovatc Mr.: Silcrs soil from look
ing at the Analysis. All have to say in reply, is,
that Mr.. Siler wanted the Analysis and made it for
him.
But l have not classified the soil, and therefore
Dr. Tompkins argues that the -4naysis is incorrect
Now he must know that the classification of a soil
belongs to its Examination and not to its 1natysis
There is need of any farmer calling in the aid of
Chemist to classify soil Many do it very
ally from simple inspection. And in any case all that
is required to find what per contage of sand is left
from washing known weight of the dry soil. For
this purpose one hundred grains is sufficient and
very convenient quantity; and the weighing need
not be made with balance capable of detecting
three one-hundreths of grain"
Further DIR. Tomphns says that sit requires
something for Chemist to know at present besides
originating spcculations and hypothesis in the Lab
oratory, he must have practical experience in
field experiments. " There l agree with him. But
cannot what that has do with proving my Analy
sis incorrect or how it applies to at all. For l
have never seen any speculations and hypothesis of
mine originated in the Laboratory; and with field
experiments have been occupied from my boyhood.
1t will be time to speak of the Analysis of mari
when it is proved to be erroneous, or when "oceas-
ion requires.
Whether not State has so justly been styl-
ed {" the RIP Van Wrinkle of the Union, " as DIR.
Tompkins thinks, leave for others to argue. But
with how little justice it is applicable to the present
" one instance" may be from the fact that there
is not Professorship of Agricultural Chemistry in
the University of Virginia, the College of South Ca
rolina or in the University of Georgia.
B. S. HEDRICK.