& 
32 Life and Character of Nathaniel Bowditch. 
‘pose that politics is the only or the principal avenue to endu- 
ring fame? Is the science of government the only one worth 
studying, or are civil honors the only ones worth aspiring to? 
It seems to me that the young men of competent abilities among 
us, who aim at distinction, those certainly who have leisure 
and property, might quite as securely seek it in the retired and 
quiet walks of science and literature, as in the bustling and 
dusty paths of political life. Are the names of Newton and Mil- 
ton less eminent .than those of Chatham ‘and: Fox? -Do they 
not stir the spirit as soon? ay, even as soon as those of Maribo- 
rough and Wellington? Are Cuvier and La Place ‘names less 
likely to live than those of the statesmen and marshals of France? 
Which are the two greatest names in our own annals, the best 
known and the most honored the world over?» First, Washing- 
ton; then Franklin; and the latter chiefly as a philosopher, from 
——— and ‘diianiedieds in science. 
‘The example and success of Dr. Bowditch are full of incite- 
ment and encouragement to our young men in this particular, and 
should especially stimulate those who have leisure and fortune, to 
do something to enable our country to take a respectable clacess in 
science and letters among the other nations of the earth; so that 
the stigma shall not adhere to us of being a race of unlettered 
republicans. Let them look, too, at more than one recent and 
uccessful attempt among us in the department of history.* How 
sine may they not accomplish? And into what pleasant fields 
will they not be led? Into the various departments of natural 
history, the different walks of exact science, the rich and instruc- 
tive annals of our own country, and the delightful province of 
general literature and philosophy. Let them labor in this field, 
which will reward all their efforts, instead of delving in a stony 
and sterile soil. . 
I have no fear that the path of politics will be deserted, or that 
the republic will suffer detriment from the absence of candidates 
for its offices and emoluments. Alas! these will always be too 
attractive ; and what we chiefly need is some counteracting influ- 
ence, some striking example, like that of Dr. Bowditch, to con- 
aes Prescott's 8 ae of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella, the Cath,” 
already and Mr. George Bancroft’s “ History of the United 
eos 
t and honorable contributions to the growing literature oof 
a ew ees a Oe Re SC of New-England . ; 
qd 
