2 ELEMENTS OF SCIENCE 



ages of human existence men were compelled to acquire 

 some increase of knowledge with respect to the world 

 about them, in order to preserve their existence during 

 the almost incessant contests between succeeding races 

 of mankind. 



The great majority of men still pursue knowledge as 

 a means to attain material advantages of one kind or 

 another, but there is a rapid increase in the number of 

 those who seek it for its own sake. 



This is not to be wondered at, since the gratifications 

 which science affords its patient and persevering followers 

 are exceptionally great. Unlike sensuous pleasures, they 

 leave no sting behind them and produce no depressing 

 reaction, but are perennial and untiring. Great is the 

 contrast between the feverish pursuit of gain or the 

 heartburnings of social competition and the calm pleasure 

 afforded by the intelligent contemplation of Nature 

 a pleasure which can persist unimpaired amongst the 

 otherwise deepening shadows of declining years. 



Nor are these advantages beyond the reach of any 

 person of merely normal capacity. The difference 

 between science and ordinary knowledge is no difference 

 of kind but merely one of degree. Science is nothing 

 more than plain reason and common sense used in a 

 methodical manner and applied to the examination of 

 various objects around us, with as much exactness as 

 possible. No one, therefore, who enjoys such knowledge 

 as he has, and feels impelled, through love of it, to 

 acquire more, need feel in any way discouraged. He 

 already possesses the scientific spirit, and nothing but a 

 little patience and perseverance are needed for him, 

 sooner or later, to become a true man of science. 



The object of this little book is to assist the student 

 through the very first steps which he must take in 



