126 



ingenuity, the works of many of the ancients command 

 the esteem of the modern scientific world. What is 

 peculiarly modern is the experimental investigation of 

 natural phenomena ; and the looking for mere rules of 

 sequence in the phenomena rather than transcendental 

 causes is of still more recent growth. 



The art of observation and that of experimentation are very 

 distinct. In the first case, the fact may either proceed from 

 logical reasons or be mere good fortune ; it is sufficient to have 

 some penetration and the sense of truth in order to profit by it. 

 But the art of experimentation leads from the first to the last 

 link of the chain, without hesitation and without a blank, making 

 successive use of Reason, which suggests an alternative, and of 

 Experience, which decides on it, until, starting from a faint 

 glimmer, the full blaze of light is reached. J. B. A. Dumas. 



The merit of scientific observation lies in the direct 

 appeal to Nature for truth instead of to authority. 

 Whenever man has seen things for himself, and has not 

 been content with vicarious observation, he has taken a 

 decided step towards the emancipation of the human 

 race from the trammels of traditional doctrine. But 

 modern science demands something more than an open 

 eye for its advancement ; it requires the kinetic quality 

 of mind that tests by experiment the things which might 

 be, as well as observes things as they are. 



The method which our race has found most effective in acquir- 

 ing knowledge is by this time familiar to all men. It is the method 

 of modern science that process which consists in an interroga- 

 tion of Nature entirely dispassionate, patient, systematic ; such 

 careful experiment and cumulative record as can often elicit 

 from her slightest indications her deepest truths. That method 

 is now dominant throughout the civilised world ; and although 

 in many directions experiments may be difficult and dubious, 

 facts rare and elusive, science works slowly on and bides her 

 time refusing to fall back upon tradition or to launch into 

 speculation merely because strait is the gate which leads to 

 valid discovery, indisputable truth. F, W, H. Myers, 



