ANALYSIS OF THE POPPY. 27 



The germ is large and somewhat oblong, the stigma is flat 

 and radiated. The pericarp is one-celled or without divisions, it 

 opens at the top, by pores, when the seeds are ripe. The spe- 

 cies of Papaver which is cultivated in gardens, is the somnifer- 

 um, which name signifies to produce sleep. It is often called 

 Opium Poppy. 



By observing the figures which stand at the right hand of 

 PAPAVER in the description of genera, and also of species, you 

 will find to what natural order the plant belongs. The num- 

 ber 27 refers to the natural orders of Linnreus ; on looking for 

 these you will find against this number Rhceadcea, which includes 

 plants with capsules and caducous calyxes. Such plants, as to 

 medicinal properties are anodyne (causing sleep), and antiscor- 

 butic (curing eruptions). 



The number 62 points to the natural orders of Jussieu ;* on 

 referring to these, you will find this number to stand against 

 Papaveracea, which is a word in the plural number, signify- 

 ing poppy-like plants. You cannot at present understand 

 what is meant by natural orders or natural families, but when 

 you have become familiar with the analysis, and different parts 

 of plants, we will give an explanation of these orders, and of 

 the principles by which they are arranged. 



In the commencement of a new science, it is not to be ex- 

 pected that every idea, or principle of arrangement will seem 

 perfectly clear, as such may often relate to other principles not yet 

 explained. In architecture, we know it would be impossible to 

 form a clear idea of the use or beauty of a particular part of 

 an edifice, until it was considered in its relation to the whole. 

 The beginner in any branch of scientific knowledge, is not like 

 one travelling a straight road, where every step is so much 

 ground actually gained ; but the views which he takes are like 

 the faint sketches of a painter, which gradually brighten and 

 grow more definite as he advances. 



The idea which was formerly entertained, that students must' 

 learn perfectly, every thing as they proceed, appears to be found- 

 ed upon a wrong view both of the nature of the mind, and of 

 the sciences. The memory may be so disciplined as to retain a 

 great many words, but words are only valuable as instru- 

 ments of conveying knowledge to the mind ; and if, after 

 a careful attention to a subject, something in your lessons may 

 appear obscure, you must not be discouraged by attributing the 



* The table of contents will shew where the natural orders are to be found. 



Natural order, how pointed out Remarks respecting the commencement of 

 a new science Words of use only as instruments. 



