14 A NOTICE OF THE 



superstition combine to hide her charms from the gaze of man- 

 kind, are among the objects of the natural sciences. Such ob- 

 jects are not and cannot be inconsistent with the duties or the 

 feelings of a true Christian. 



The study of natural history has a happy influence in the 

 cultivation of the intellect. While it tends to tranquillize and 

 strengthen the mind, and to release it from the thraldom of 

 superstition and credulity, it refines the taste, and teaches man 

 to appreciate justly the beauties and wisdom of nature. It is a 

 drill, an exercise of the faculties in discriminating resemblances 

 and in contrasting differences, and in the separation of truth from 

 error. It enables us " to derive from objects that everywhere 

 present themselves in our rural walks, not only amusement and 

 instruction, but the highest incitements to piety and virtue."* 

 If it had no other object than to familiarize man with the won- 

 ders of the creation, intelligent people must perceive in this a 

 sufficient inducement to encourage its study. 



To corroborate the assertion that the study of the natural 

 sciences is not incompatible with Christianity, a number of pious 

 clergymen who have acquired wide-spread reputation as geolo- 

 gists, botanists, &c., might be named, though it does not seem 

 necessary. Nor is this study inconsistent with any of the voca- 

 tions of life. It may be pursued as an accomplishment, as men 

 study music or drawing ; or as a pleasant relaxation from ordi- 

 nary duties, or as an agreeable occupation for their leisure 

 hours. In this connection, it may be stated that the Academy 

 of Natural Sciences owes its present condition entirely to the 

 labors of its members, nearly all of whom have been daily occu- 

 pied, from necessity, in the practice of the professions, or as 

 merchants, or manufacturers, or mechanics. Theoretically, this 

 Society does not consist of men already learned; but of men who 

 desire to become acquainted with Nature and her laws, and who 

 are fully sensible of the great benefits which increased knowledge 

 of the creation must confer upon mankind. In a word, the in- 

 stitution is an academy, a school of learners rather than an asso- 

 ciation of learned men. 



It is urged that the natural sciences are eminently useful to 

 agriculture, to the arts, and to medicine, and for this reason, 



* Life of Alexander Wilson. By George Ord, F.L. S., &c. 



