CONTENTS. 



INTRODUCTION Retrospective view of the state of mankind ignorance of the dark ages 

 revival of learning at the Reformation. Present intellectual state of the human race. 

 Causes which have retarded the progress of the human mind. A more general diffusion 

 of knowledge desirable. Preludes which indicate the approach of the era of intelligence 11 



SECTION I. 



INFLUENCE OF KNOWLEDGE IN DISSIPATING SUPERSTITIOUS NOTIONS AND 

 TAIN FEARS. 



Objects and circumstances which ignorance has arrayed with imaginary terrors eclipses, 

 comets, aurora borealis, &c. Absurdity of astrology. Belief attached to its doctrines. 

 Various prevalent superstitious opinions omens witches spectres, &c. Proof of such 

 notions still prevailing. Superstitions indulged by men of rank and learning. Baneful 

 tendency of superstition leads to deeds of cruelty and injustice. How knowledge would 

 undermine superstition and its usual accompaniments illustrated at large. Animadversion 

 on Dr. S. Johnson, &c. - - - - - - - - - - -17 



SECTION IL 



ON THE UTILITY OF KNOWLEDGE IN PREVENTING DISEASES AND FATAL 

 ACCIDENTS. 



Accidents which have happened from ignorance of the properties of the different gases, and 

 the means of preventing them. Disasters which have happened in coal mines. Figure 

 of Davy s Safety Lamp, with description and remarks. Accidents caused by the stroke 

 of lightning. Precautions requisite to be attended to during thunder-storm?. Accidents 

 from ignorance of the principles of mechanics. Reasons of such accidents explained by a 

 figure. Fatal accidents caused from ignorance of the effects produced by the refraction of 

 light illustrated by figures and experiments. Accidents from the clothes of females 

 catching fire, and the means of prevention. Various diseases propagated from ignorance 

 of their nature. Pernicious effects of contaminated air. Improper mode of treating 

 children during infancy, and its fatal effects. Importance of temperance. General 

 remarks -24 



SECTION III. 



ON THE INFLUENCE WHICH A DIFFUSION OF KNOWLEDGE WOULD HAVE ON THE 

 PROGRESS OF SCIENCE. 



Science founded on facts. Every person is endowed with faculties for observing facts. 

 Anecdote of Sir I. Newton. Extraordinary powers of intellect not necessary for making 

 discoveries in science. Ample field of investigation still remains. Discoveries would 



