12 LIGHT SCIENCE FOR LEISURE HOURS. 



remark that the Physical Geography appeared in 1848, 

 and the Molecular and Microscopic Science in 1869, 

 when she had reached the advanced age of eighty-eight 

 years. 



I may be excused for regarding Mary Soinerville s life 

 with reference rather to her astronomical and mathemati 

 cal researches than to her proficiency in other branches 

 of science. In this aspect of her career it is difficult, 

 great as was the reputation she deservedly obtained, not 

 to contemplate with regret those circumstances, the 

 effects of unfortunate prejudices, whereby she was pre 

 vented from applying the full powers of her mind to 

 the advancement of science. It is certain that no 

 department of mathematical research was beyond her 

 powers, and that in any she could have done original 

 work. In mere mental grasp few men have probably 

 surpassed her ; but the thorough training, the scholarly 

 discipline, which can alone give to the mind the power 

 of advancing beyond the point up to which it has 

 followed the guidance of others, had unfortunately been 

 denied to her. Accordingly, while her writings show 

 her power and her thorough mastery of the instruments 

 of mathematical research, they are remarkable less for 

 their actual value, though their value is great, than as 

 indicating what, under happier auspices, she might 

 have accomplished. 



I have mentioned that Mrs. Somerville was twice 

 married. By her first marriage she had one son, Mr. 

 Woronzow Grreig, since .deceased. A few years after 

 Captain Greig s death she married her cousin, Dr. 



