When asked to make a book himself, however, he did not at first
entertain the idea; but the thought grew upon him, and by degrees
took definite shape. Acquainting himself with all the standard
text-books, and, clearly perceiving what he wished to accomplish, he set
about the preparation of the “Class-Book of Chemistry,” giving all
his time to the work. When it became a question of finding a
publisher, preceding events had much to do in deciding his course. He
was already indebted to Mr. W. H. Appleton for many kindnesses in
the loan of valuable books, and for sympathetic interest in his
undertakings. It was, therefore, most natural that the manuscript of his
book should first be offered to D. Appleton & Co. Their reader, Mr.
Tenney, a stranger to the author and his circumstances, gave the work
his unqualified approval, and used afterward to refer to the fact in
proof of his good critical judgment. The “Class-Book” appeared in
1851, and its clear, lively style, its brevity, freedom from technicalities,
and continual reference to the important practical applications
of chemistry, soon made it a favorite with beginners in the science.
It has been twice rewritten, and its enduring popularity is shown by
the fact that the sale of its three editions has reached the number of
144,000 copies.
The “Chemical Atlas,” published in 1854, was an extension of the method employed in the “Chart.” The scale of illustration was much reduced, and it contained maps portraying elementary chemistry, the chemistry of geology, homologous series of compounds, nitrogenized and non-nitrogenized principles of food, and giving examples of isomerism, and the theory of compound radicals. The great natural processes of combustion, respiration, fermentation, and the chemistry of light or solar dynamics, were also pictorially presented. The accompanying text was carefully written, and marked by the same qualities of style as the “Class-Book.” But all these publications were based upon the binary theory of the composition of matter, and when this gave place to the new chemistry, the “Atlas” and “Chart” were no longer of use, but the “Class-Book” was rewritten.
After the publication of the “Class-Book,” Edward's health underwent a marked improvement. He gained in weight, his face became round and ruddy, and at thirty-five he looked much younger than at twenty-five. His countenance gradually lost the introverted expression of the blind, so marked in his portraits between the ages of twenty and thirty, and his eyes became so much stronger that he could now say farewell to the doctor. While his eyes would bear a great deal of use, he was often tempted to overwork them, when they would give out for a time, but by rest and other means they were soon at his service again. He was, however, distressingly near-sighted; so that except his familiar friends, whom he recognized by traits of form or movement, he did not know people unless they were within a foot or two of him. This circumstance was a great bar to his enjoy-
