2S6 Foad. 



regarding each others pla«s aad opink)na, at bfest, with indifference, 

 and, too often, with the roost profound contempt. But, as it bap- 

 pens in the affeir« of ordinary life, so, I think there can be no 

 doubt, that, in the case under our consideration, a good deal of this 

 hostile spirit depends, upon the circumstance of the parties not 

 knowing each other sufScienlly, or, arises from the imperfect means 

 which each possesses, of being able to ascertain the moden of 

 reasoning and objects of the other. 



Though, however, this has been too long, and, it will beallowed, 

 is still too much the case, it must be admitted, nevertheless, that 

 there has appeared of late, something like a disposition to yield on 

 both sides; for, within these few years, a great number of prac- 

 tical men of liberal education, have brought forward their invalua- 

 ble facts, which, such men as. Sir Humphrey Davey, Count Rumford, 

 and other scientific men, have cautiously reasoned upon, with 

 infinite labor, endeavouring to find out their bearings and depen- 

 tiencies, and to square them witii a well-founded Theory. Nor 

 can I refrain from adding, that to the first illustrious Chemist, in 

 particular, the world is indebted in a twofold capacity, more, perhaps, 

 than to any other modem Philosopher. For, whilst many of his 

 laborious investigations, have been attended with the most brilliant 

 discoveries, (any one of which would have been sufficient to immor- 

 talize an individual) he has not only conducted these intricate 

 researches with an evident feeling of that humility, which true phi- 

 losophy never fails to inspire, but has appeared, at the same time, 

 intent (to use the words of the great Loixl Verulam) upon bringing 

 things home to men's business and bosoms ; and, thu.s by a judi- 

 cious application of science, to its legitimate and proper purposes. 



