CONTENTS. 



PART I. 



OF THE GENERAL NATURE AND ADVANTAGES OF THE STUDY CF 

 THE PHYSICAL SCIENCES. 



CHAP. I. 



Of Man regarded as a Creature of Instinct, of Reason, and 

 Speculation. General Influence of Scientific Pursuits on 

 the Mind. .... Page 1 



CHAP. II. 



Of abstract Science as a Preparation for the Study of Physics. 

 A profound Acquaintance with it not indispensable for a 

 clear Understanding of Physical Laws. How a Conviction 

 of their Truth may be obtained without it. Instances. 

 Further Division of the Subject. - - 18 



CHAP. III. 



Of the Nature and Objects, immediate and collateral, of Phy- 

 sical Science, as regarded in itself, and in its Application to 

 the practical Purposes of Life, and its Influence on the Well- 

 being and Progress of Society. - 35 



