14 INTRODUCTION. 



Some relations or resemblances are seen at the first glance ; 

 others are not discovered until after close examination and re- 

 flection ; but the most perfect classification is not always 

 founded upon the most obvious resemblances. A person 

 ignorant of Botany, on beholding the profusion of flowers 

 which adorn the face of nature, would discover general resem- 

 blances, and perhaps form in his mind, some order of arrange, 

 ment ; but the system of Botany now in use, neglecting the 

 most conspicuous parts of the flower, is founded upon the obser- 

 vation of small parts of it, which a common observer might not 

 notice. 



System is necessary in every science. It not only assists in 

 the acquisition of knowledge, but enables us to retain what is 

 thus acquired ; and, by the laws of association, to call forth 

 what is treasured up in the storehouse of the mind. System is 

 important not only in the grave and elevated departments of 

 science, but is essential in the most common concerns and ope- 

 rations of ordinary life. In conducting any kind of business, 

 and in the arrangement of household concerns, it is indispensa- 

 ble to the success of the one, and to the comfort of those inter- 

 ested in the other. The very logical and systematic arrange- 

 ment which prevails in Botanical science, has, without doubt, a 

 tendency to' induce in the mind the habit and love of order; 

 which, when once established, will operate, even in the minu- 

 test concerns. Whoever traces this system, through its various 

 connexions, -by a gradual progress from individual plants to 

 general classes, until the whole vegetable world seems brought 

 into one point of view ; and then descends in the same methodi- 

 cal manner, from generals to particulars, must acquire a habit 

 of arrangement, and a perception of order, which is the true 

 practical logic. 



The study of Botany seems peculiarly adapted to females ; 

 the objects of its investigation are beautiful and delicate ; its 

 pursuits, leading to exercise in the open air, are conducive to 

 health and cheerfulness. It is not a sedentary study which can 

 be acquired in the library, but the objects of the science are 

 scattered over the surface of the earth, along the banks of the 

 winding brooks, on the borders of precipices, the sides of moun- 

 tains, and the depths of the forest. 



A knowledge of Botany is necessary to the medical profes- 

 sion. Our Almighty Benefactor, in bestowing upon us the 

 vegetable tribes, has not only provided a source of refined en- 

 Classification not always founded upon the most striking resemblances, as in 

 Botany Importance of system The study of Botany is practical logic 

 Proper for females Necessary to the medical profession. 



