Address of the Vlce-Pn's/.doif. 11 



taking the department of geology, another the department 

 of plants and animals, and the third the department of 

 antiquities. 



The department of antiquities, or Archceology, has reo-ard, 

 as I have said, to all that bears the marks and impress of 

 liuman skill and intelligence. This is a wide and large field, 

 and, as often hajipens in such case, the small and the port- 

 able, which can be readily moved about and examined at 

 leisure, are the most frequent objects of attention. 



In this way, the small becomes great a.nd important. It 

 acquires prominence, and the study of antiquities has thus 

 been assumed to be the study of trifles, — antiquarian trash. 

 This is a narrow view of the subject ; as there is enouo-h 

 within its range to occupy minds of every power. The sub- 

 ject is calculated to gratify a wide spread curiosity, — a curi- 

 osity which is common and general, and therefore also, it is 

 probable, a natural and reasonable curiosity, respecting the 

 past. It is a useful if not an indispensable help and aid to 

 historical enquiry, and a knowledge of the past. And it is 

 calculated to advance our knowledge and improve our taste 

 by a comparison of the past wath the present. Moreover, 

 the study of antiquities combines book learning with out- 

 door exercise ; while, in common with the study of Natural 

 History, it engenders a habit of attention and careful obser- 

 vation. It is thus, in an especial manner, the occupation of 

 learned leisure, — the occupation of educated leisure. 



And though still dealing with matter and material things, 

 we find these fashioned and animated by human thought 

 and skill. The forest and the quarry have sent out their 

 monuments of sculpture and ai'chitecture, and the rouo-h 

 mineral has become a gem — a precious stone. 



When we proceed to examine into any object of anti- 

 ({uarian interest, several courses, or methods of enquiry, 

 present themselves. For, we may enquire, in the first place, 

 at ivhat time, actual or probable, it was executed. This is 

 tlie chronological method of enqTiiry, and it divides itself 

 into ancient,, modern, and median-al. 



