398 



of this vital principle, which seems independent of 

 material organization, and an impulse of his own 

 divine energy." 



In another introductory lecture, recurring again 

 to his own more particular study, Sir James men- 

 tions that " A gentleman * of the first rank in ta- 

 lents, as well as in society, lately suggested to me a 

 lively illustration of the advantages of scientific bo- 

 tany as a mere amusement. * Suppose,' said he, c a 

 person were possessed of a secret by which he could 

 in the busy throng of this great town, on the sight 

 of every one he meets, immediately recognise their 

 name, their residence, their occupation, their con- 

 nexions, without trouble or uncertainty, it would 

 be thought an enviable talent ; but if to this were 

 added a power of learning, at the same time, their 

 characters, dispositions, and powers, there are few 

 who would despise the acquisition of such an advan- 

 tage.' Just such is systematic botany with regard 

 to plants. But we may take a far higher ground 

 for the recommendation of all natural science : a 

 taste for the beauties of nature, or in other words 

 an admiration of the works of God, waiving the con- 

 sideration of all worldly profit and advantage, co- 

 operates with the highest means of divine instruc- 

 tion in elevating and improving the mind. 



" The christian philosopher, the more deeply he 

 studies nature, the more certainly finds every thing 

 in harmony with his best hopes and dependencies. 

 He well perceives that the same power which raises 

 a plant from its seed, can abundantly perform its 



* Sir Thomas Frankland, Bart. 



