SUMMARY. 



»— * ■ — ' ' - -. - - 



Translator's Preface. 

 Author's Preface. 



Vol. I. 



GENERAL SUMMARY OF THE CONTENTS. 



Introduction. — Reflections on the different Degrees of Enjoyment pre- 

 tented to us by the Aspect of Nature and the scientific Exposition of 



the Laws of the Universe Page 23-78 



Insight into the connection of phenomena as the aim of all natural 

 investigation. Nature presents itself to meditative contemplation as a 

 anity in diversity. Differences in the grades of enjoyment yielded bv 

 nature. Effect of contact with free nature ; enjoyment derived from 

 nature independently of a knowledge of the action of natural forces, or 

 of the effect produced, by the individual character of a locality. Effect 

 of the physiognomy and configuration of the surface, or of the character 

 of vegetation. Reminiscences of the woody valleys of the Cordilleras 

 and of the Peak of Teneriffe. Advantages of the mountainous region 

 near the equator, where the multiplicity of natural impressions attains 

 its maximum within the most circumscribed limits, and where it is 

 permitted to man simultaneously to behold all the stars of the firma- 

 ment and all the forms of vegetation — p. 23-33. 



Tendency toward the investigation of the causes of physical phenom 

 ena. Erroneous views of the character of natural forces arising from 

 an imperfect mode of observation or of induction. The crude accu 

 mulation of physical dogmas transmitted from one century to another. 

 Their diffusion among the higher classes. Scientific physics are asso- 

 ciated with another and a deep-rooted system of untried and misunder 

 stood experimental positions. Investigation of natural laws. Appre 

 hension that nature may lose a portion of its secret charm by an inquiry 

 into the internal character of its forces, and that the enjoyment of na 

 ture must necessarily be weakened by a study of its domain. Advan^ 

 ages of general views which impart an exalted and. solemn character 

 to natural science. The possibility of separating generalities from 

 specialities. Examples drawn from astronomy, recent optical discov 

 eries, physical geognosy, and the geography of plants. Practicabil 

 ity of the study of physical cosmography — p. 33-54. Misunderstood 

 popular knowledge, confounding cosmography with a mere encyclope- 

 dic enumeration of natural sciences. Necessity for a simultaneous re- 

 gard for all branches of natural science. Influence of this study on 

 national prosperity and the welfare of nations ; its more earnest and 

 characteristic aim is an inner one, arising from exalted mental activity. 

 Mode of treatment with regard, to the object and presentation ; recip- 

 rocal connection existing between thought and speech — p. 54-5C 



The notes to p. 28-33. Comparative hypsometrical data of the eleva- 

 tions of the Dhawalagiri, Jawjibir. Chimborazo, ^-Etna (according to the 

 measurement of Sir John HerscheH, the Swiss Alps, &c. — p. 28. Raritv 



