iv INTRODUCTION 



reach of all, it tends to develop powers of correct observation and clear 

 reasoning from cause to effect. 



There are many studies which partly cover these same grounds. Thus, 

 History affords ample opportunity for following a complex chain of events, 

 but not from first-hand observation; Mathematics develops the powers of 

 reasoning without observation; while Chemistry is almost purely experi- 

 mental, that is, observational; and Medicine seems to belong to the same 

 list. On the other hand, Surgery and Practical Engineering are as good as, 

 or even better than Nature-work for harmoniously developing the faculties 

 of observation and reason; but these are beyond the reach of the many; and 

 of all the available recognized studies in our schools and colleges to-day, 

 none is a better developer of sight and insight, that is perception and 

 causation, than Nature-study, which has the final advantage of being an 

 active, health-giving, outdoor pursuit. 



Next, we may claim that Nature-study adds a new and elevating pleas- 

 ure to life. According to a noted Roman sybarite presumably an au- 

 thority on his own life-study a new pleasure was worth more than vast 

 riches. In our own day, it will be remembered that the well-to-do of our 

 race spend enormous sums each year, and rightly so, on pictures, music, the 

 drama, and kindred pleasures, while here is one, at least worthy to rank 

 with them, that may be brought within the reach of all; for it is impos- 

 sible to put even a partially trained naturalist in a situation where he can- 

 not delight himself with his pursuits. 



Chilon is credited with having said that Man's most important business 

 is to "know himself." Many other sages have added the weight of their 

 names to this dictum, logically believing that so far as this world is 

 concerned, that man would come nearest to perfection who "knew him- 

 self," that is, understood his own powers and limitations, comprehended 

 his place and relations in the universe. This final quintessence of all 

 philosophy was made by a heathen, but the enlightened of our day have 

 changed it only by drawing another circle outside to enclose it all, so that 

 the dictum is still acceptable. 



No one can comprehend the nature and purpose of a wheel in some com- 

 plex machine by study of that wheel alone. He must consider the whole 

 machine, and especially the parts nearest to that particular wheel. Man 

 therefore, seeking to know himself, must fail utterly, unless he remember that 

 he is only a part of the great machine of the universe. He must therefore 

 study the other wheels, that is, the life-forms about him, , which are parts 

 of his environment and offspring of the same creative power as himself. 



