4 Introductory Remarks. 
The hopes of its revival have now, unhappily, become com- 
pletely extinct, by the lamented death of Dr. Bruce.* 
This gentleman, with an accomplished education, with ex- 
tensive acquirements in science, and great zeal for premoting 
it in his own country ; advantageously and extensively known 
in Europe, and furnished with a correct and discriminating 
mind, and a chaste, scientific taste, was so well qualified for 
the task which he had undertaken, that no one can attempt to 
resume those scientific labours which he has now for ever re- 
linquished, without realizing that he undertakes an arduous 
enterprise, and lays himself under a heavy responsibility. 
American science has much to lament in the death of Dr. 
Bruce. 
No one, it is presumed, will doubt that a Journal devoted to 
science, and embracing a sphere sufficiently extensive to allure 
to its support the principal scientific men of our country, is 
greatly needed ; if cordially supported, it will be successful, 
and if successful, it will be a great public benefit. 
Even a failure, in so good a cause, (unless it should arise — 
from incapacity or unfaithfulness,) cannot be regarded as dis- 
honourable. It may prove only that the attempt was prema- 
ture, and that our country is not yet ripe for such an under- 
taking ; for without the efficient support of talent, knowledge, and 
money, it cannot long proceed. No editor can hope to carry 
forward such a work without the active aid of scientific and 
practical men; but, at the same time, the public have a right 
. Rus the ee will pardon me for stating, that various scientific 
fiends d ‘decpaih of the revival of the Journal of Dr, Bru ad, for 
at 
and it is certain that had not all hope of the re- 
sumption of — Beanets ‘ pce been completely cut off, this would not 
have appeare 
2p a See 
