2 Dr. Smitu’s Introductory Difcourfe. 
their neceffary wants, and even to obtain conveniences and luxuries. 
In the more hofpitable climes in which probably mankind were 
firft eftablifhed, this tafk was the more eafy. The calls of nature 
would there be readily fatisfied ; and while the fenfes were gratified 
with all they were capable of enjoying, the mind, ever prone to 
curiofity, would be continually exercifed and delighted in invefti- 
gating the creation around it. Then, as the human race multi- 
plied, would the fpirit of competition arife for the difcovery of 
hitherto untafted luxuries or unknown conveniences; and he who 
firft climbed the lofty palm-tree, and while its leafy honours were 
waving above his head, fcattered the golden fhower of plenty 
upon his admiring companions, would deferve and enjoy more real 
glory, than any deftroyer of his fellow creatures ever enjoyed, after 
thofe very boughs became sei d to “Son the triumph of 
defolation and war. — ose: 
By degrees mankind became fo numerous itd fo adventurous as 
not only to occupy aH-that part of the world in which they were 
firft fettled, but alfo to migrate into far diftant countries, where 
ruder fkies and lefs fruitful plains taught them new wants, and 
put their ingenuity to greater trials. In fhort, by means and acci- 
dents which moft likely will long remain a problem for philofo- 
phers, the human race became in procefs of time difperfed over 
almoft every part of the globe where art and labour could find 
them protection and fubfiftence. ‘Their various acquirements, in 
the courfe of their long, laborious progrefs, muft have been all 
founded on the knowledge and obfervation of nature; and with 
fo much accuracy have they ftudied this fubject, fo interefting to 
them all, that even in the moft advanced ftate of fociety, as well as 
in the loweft, mankind are perfe&ly agreed upon the ufes of moft 
of the neceffaries with which nature furnifhes them ; they have 
all alike learned precifely to what purpofe each is fit, and all fupply 
the 
