12 INTRODUCTION. 



the arbitrary magnitudes which these laws in- 

 volve. 



The inquiries in which the mutual effects of 

 heat, moisture, air, and the like elements are 

 treated of, including, among other subjects, all 

 that we know of the causes of the weather (me- 

 teorology) is a far more imperfect science than 

 astronomy. Yet, with regard to these agents, a 

 great number of laws of nature have been dis- 

 covered, though, undoubtedly, a far greater num- 

 ber remain still unknown. 



So far, therefore, as our knowledge goes, astro- 

 nomy and meteorology are parts of natural 

 philosophy in which we may study the order of 

 nature with such views as we have suggested ; 

 in which we may hope to make out the adapta- 

 tions and aims which exist in the laws of nature; 

 and thus to obtain some light on the tendency of 

 this part of the legislation of the universe, and on 

 the character and disposition of the Legislator. 



The number and variety of the laws which we 

 find established in the universe is so great, that 

 it would be idle to endeavour to enumerate them. 

 In their operation they are combined and inter- 

 mixed in incalculable and endless complexity, 

 influencing and modifying each other's effects in 

 every direction. If we attempt to comprehend 

 at once the whole of this complex system, we find 

 ourselves utterly baffled and overwhelmed by its 

 extent and multiplicity. Yet, in so far as we 



