SUMMARY. 



Translator's Preface. 

 Author's Preface. 



VOL. I. 



GENERAL SUMMARY OF THE CONTENTS. 



Introduction. Reflections on tlie different degrees of enjoyment^ pre- 

 sented to us by the aspect of nature, and the scientific exposition of 

 the laws of the universe pp. 1-61. 



Insight into the connection of phenomena as the aim of all natural 

 investigation. Nature presents itself to meditative contemplation as a 

 unity in diversity. Differences in the grades of enjoyment yielded by 

 nature. Effect of contact with free nature; enjoyment derived from 

 nature independently of a knowledge of the action of natural forces, or 

 of the effect produced by the individual character of a locality. Effect 

 of the physiognomy and configuration of the surface, or of the character 

 of vegetation. Reminiscences of the woody valleys of the Cordilleras, 

 and of the Peak of Teneriffe. Advantages of the mountainous region 

 near the equator, where the multiplicity of natural impressions attains 

 its maximum within the most circumscribed limits, and where it is per- 

 mitted to man simultaneously to behold all the stars of the firmament, 

 and all the forms of vegetation pp. 1-12. 



Tendency towards the investigation of the causes of physical pheno- 

 mena. Erroneous views of the character of natural forces arising from 

 an imperfect mode of observation or of induction. The crude accumu- 

 lation of physical dogmas transmitted from one century to another. 

 Their diffusion amongst the higher classes. Scientific physics are asso- 

 ciated with another and a deep-rooted system of untried and misunder- 

 stood experimental positions. Investigation of natural laws. Appre- 

 hension that nature may lose a portion of its secret charm by an inquiry 

 into the internal character of its forces, and that the enjoyment of 

 nature must necessarily be weakened by a study of its domain. 

 Advantages of general views which impart an exalted and solemn 

 character to natural science. The possibility of separating generalities 

 from specialities. Examples drawn from astronomy, recent optical 

 discoveries, physical geognosy, and the geography of plants. Practica- 

 bility of the study of physical cosmography pp. 12-35. Misunderstood 

 popular knowledge, confounding cosmography with a mere encyclopaedic 

 enumeration of natural sciences. Necessity for a simultaneous regard 

 for all branches 01 natural science. Influence of this study on national 

 prosperity and the welfare of nations; its more earnest and characteristic 



