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tovvard deciding the influential queftion, before noted, concerning 

 the application of meteorology to the Iiealing art. In fine, for an 

 inftitution of this kind, it is judicioufly remarked; (Tranf. R. I. 

 Academy, Vol. II.) that Ireland is peculiarly well circumftanced. 

 '•The local difpolition of our ifland,confiderably advanced in the 

 weilern ocean beyond the other fiiores of Europe, and removed 

 from the immediate influence of any great trail of mountainous 

 country, renders it peculiarly fitted for a Jlandard fituation, to 

 which the obfervations of other countries may be conveniently re- 

 ferred.' Seeing, then, that Ireland is thus adapted by nature tor 

 the propofed refearch, at once curious and ufeful, it would be a 

 pity, furely, to negledl cultivating its advantages with fuitable 

 zeal and afliduity. The Academy, indeed, rightly impreiTcd with 

 the truth of this opinion, early made it an objed of their atten- 

 tion ; but it appears, that the chief meafure which they took 

 on the occafion, (and which feems to have been the utmofl that 

 could have been expeded from them) viz. the diflribution of in- 

 flruments, has been fo^ov^?ed with fuch inadequate fuccefs, as to 

 leave room for wifiiing that fome elFedual plan might be adopted. 

 It feems neceflary that there fhould be a central fource, which, like 

 the heart in the human body, might difpenfe its vital fluid in 

 animating currents throughout the nation. 



(NOTE I.) 



