COURSE OF LECTURES 



ON 



NATURAL PHILOSOPHY 



AND THE 



MECHANICAL ARTS. 



LECTURE I. 



INTRODUCTION. 



It is to be presumed, that most of those who honour the theatre of the 

 Royal Institution with their attendance, are already acquainted with the na- 

 ture of the objects which its founders and promoters have been endeavouring 

 to attain; yet it appears to be by no means superfluous, that I should define 

 with accuracy my own views of the utility that is likely to be derived from 

 it, and of the most effectual means of accomplishing its purposes; in order 

 tlaat we may be able to distinguish, without difficulty, the most eligible track 

 for our common progress through the regions of science; and that those who 

 are desirous of accompanying me in the journey, may know precisely what 

 route we are to follow, and what departments will more particularly arrest 

 our attention. 



Societies, which are merely literary and philosqphical, have in general 

 prmcipally proposed to themselves, to enlighten the understanding by the 

 discovery of unknown phenomena, and to exercise the reasoning powers, by 



VOL. r. 



B 



