242 



PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A NATURAL HISTORY 

 SOCIETY, AT PLYMOUTH. 



In no country is the study of nature more generally 

 pursued, and in no country is the science of" Natural 

 History more creditably, or more effectively followed, 

 than in Ens^land. Gratifyino and consolatory how- 

 ever as this is, since no other country enjoys better 

 facilities for its elucidation and puisuit, and sir.ce our 

 island stands unrivalled as a field for prosecuting the 

 enquiry at home ; it is equally true that the circnla- 

 tion afforded to this species of knowledge is at best 

 tardy and imperfect. The imagination can picture 

 to itself an animal body, having parts respectively 

 sound, and good in structure, yet inefficient and 

 inert, by reason of a defective and insufficient circu- 

 lation. No part or organ of a healthy body is 

 isolated, a communication direct or indirect is main- 

 tained between it and every other portion, — the 

 nutriment appropriated by this body is employed for 

 the benefit of every part, external influences or im- 

 pressions act uf)on the entire system, there is no 

 partial distribution of pabulum, no monopoly of 

 common privilege or right, the more important or 

 paramount agents exert their powers for the common 

 good, an advantage received by one member is re- 

 cognised and participated by the rest. The scheme 

 of actions in a sane body should be estimated as a 

 standard of propriety for conducting those things 

 which affect the common lot of men, ana which 

 influence the prosperity and happiness of our race : 

 the knowledge acquired by one man, whether acci- 

 dentally or industriously, should be communicated 

 to the members of society at large, the gift of pecu- 

 liar intellect bestowed on certain individuals ought 

 not to be restricted in their radiations, the oppor- 

 tunities of acquiring knowkdge preeminently en- 

 joyed by some men, ought not to benefit them only 

 or their immediate circle of acquaintances, but the 

 wholf world. 



