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187 



3 



5 H P] diffideuce with which we undertook the 



onerous duties of editing a popular Scientific 



Journal has given way to confidence^ — thanks 



to the able and ready support we have 



received on all hands. Hence, at the close 



of another year, we find the editorial chair 



more comfortable^ whilst the circle of our 



friends is considerably enlarged. On every hand 



ready assistance and generous forbearance have 



been accorded to us. 



The rapidity with which an interest in Natural 

 Science is spreading is unprecedented. Its speculative 

 discoveries arc affecting every depai'tment of Modern 

 Philosophy, and he would be a rash man who noAV 

 declared, like Dr. Johnson, that Natural Historv 

 was fit only for children ! Wise men are beginning 

 to sec that it is necessary to make a place for 

 Natural Science teaching in au}^ scheme of education 

 worthy the name. 



One of the chief intellectual signs of the times is the fact that 

 some department of Natural Science is frequently taken up, by both 

 sexes, as a healthful recreation. The number of such people is dail}' 

 increasing, and it is to them, as well as to the younger students, that 

 SciENCE-GossiL' is particularly addressed. We have many tastes to cater 

 for, and our desire is to have every branch of Natural Science as fairly 

 represented as our space will allow. 



Whatever merit may be attached to our Editorial duties, we feel 

 that without the aid of a volunteer staff", which includes some of the 



