10 INTKODTJCTION. 



depends the power of forming classes, or of generalizing. Some 

 relations or resemblances are seen at tlie first glance ; others 

 are not discovered until after close examination and reflection ; 

 bnt the most perfect classification is not always founded upon 

 the most obvious resemblances. A person ignorant of Botany, 

 on beholding the profusion of flowers which adorn the face of 

 nature, would discover general resemblances, and form in his 

 mind some order of arrangement ; but the Botanist learns to 

 distinguish the least conspicuous parts of a plant as most im- 

 portant in a system of classification. ^ 



3. System is necessary in every science. It not only a'ssists 

 in the acquisition of knowdedge, but enables us to retain what 

 is thus acquired ; and, by the laws of association, to call forth 

 at will what is treasm-ed up in the storehouse of the mind. 

 System is important not only in the elevated departments of 

 science, but is essential in the common concerns of ordinary 

 life. In conducting any kind of business, and in household 

 operations, it is indispensable to the success of the one, and 

 the comfort of those interested in the other. The logical and 

 systematic arrangement w^hich prevails in Botanical science, 

 has a tendency to produce the habit and love of order. Who- 

 ever traces this system through its various connections, by a 

 gradual progress from individual plants to general classes, and 

 then descends, in the same methodical manner, from generals 

 to particulars, must acquire a habit of arrangement, and a per- 

 ception of order, which is the true, practical logic. 



4. The study of Botany seems peculiarly adapted tofemcdes: 

 the objects of its investigation are beautiful and delicate ; — 

 its pursuits, leading to exercise in the open air, are conducive 

 to health and cheerfulness. It is not a sedentary study which 

 can be acquired in the library, but the objects of the science 

 are scattered over the surface of the earth, along the banks of 

 the winding brooks, on the borders of p>recipices, the sides of 

 mountains, and the depths of the forest. A knoivledge of Bot- 

 a/ny is necessary to the onediccd p^'ofession. Our Almighty Bene- 

 factor, in bestowing upon us the vegetable tribes, has not only 

 provided a source of refined enjoyment in the contemplation 

 of their beautiful forms and colors, and in their fragrance, by 

 which, in their peculiar language, they seem to hold secret 

 communion with our minds ; — He has not only given them for 

 our food and clothing, but with kind, parental care, has, in 

 them, provided powers to counteract and remove the diseases 

 to which mankind are subject. For many ages, plants were 

 the only medicines known, or used ; but modern discoveries in 



3. Importance of system — Practical logic. — 4. Proper study for females — Necessary to the medical 

 profession. 



