198 Introduction. [6 



reports of an event, which come from so-called eye wit- 

 nesses, are apt to be very conflicting. 



Conclusions growing out of careless observations must 

 of necessity be wholly unreliable. If we would learn 

 Nature's lessons we must acquire the habit of using our 

 five senses accurately. 



j. Careful reasoning. Facts unrelated teach no lessons. 

 The ability of putting facts together to find out what they 

 actually teach is quite within the child's powers, but 

 nevertheless the habit of doing so is strangely wanting in 

 everybody; and this is the serious defect of our methods 

 of education. 



A course of training in Natural Science is imperatively 

 demanded in the education of the citizen to the end that 

 he may correct that vicious habit of drawing hasty con- 

 clusions from careless observations of reckless experi- 

 ments. 



Professor Huxley gives an illustration somewhat as 

 follows: A goes to court and swears that B picked his 

 pocket. He is impatient with the careful investigation of 

 facts which the law requires. "He knows that B is the 

 guilty man because he saw him do it." Upon cross- 

 examination, however, he is obliged to confess that- all he 

 really knows is that B stood next to him in a crowd and 

 that he has lost some money. The fact is that C picked 

 his pocket when he least suspected it." 



Take an illustration from our relation to our neighbors. 

 Gossip is wholly unscientific. A wild rumor a mere 

 suggestion of something derogatory to the character of 

 another reaches our ears. Instead of applying the scien- 

 tific method of investigation before arriving at a conclu- 

 sion, we eagerly accept the rumor, build upon it whatever 

 suits our imagination, and, without further evidence, give 

 our verdict. Suppose a court of justice should proceed 

 in that way! Could it maintain a reputation for fair 

 judgment? 



