i.] INTRODUCTORY. 



confirm, extend, modify, and check the observations of 

 other men. Confirmations are not always to be trusted, 

 for it often happens that a beginner is over anxious to 

 confirm the statements of a master, as by that means the 

 pupil hopes to secure some of the credit belonging to the 

 original teacher. It is not only necessary to know what 

 is confirmed, but who confirms it. Some older views of 

 our own, in which we have now no belief, have been re- 

 peatedly " confirmed." 



All phenomena which on the face of them are unusual 

 should be carefully examined and re-examined, and con- 

 stantly tested and retested. Eeasonable statements may 

 be more readily accepted than unreasonable, but it often 

 happens that the more wonderful and unreasonable a 

 phenomenon is according to the descriptions the more 

 avidiously it is accepted, especially by beginners. 



Opinions often vary as to the meaning of the pheno- 

 mena connected with disease, as in the appearances pre- 

 sented by the fungi of corn mildew, of the potato murrain, 

 and some other diseases. In these instances we shall not 

 disrespectfully advance our own views to the disadvantage 

 of other observers, but shall clearly and impartially state 

 both sides of any disputed question. We shall, however, 

 consider it our duty to say how our mind has been im- 

 pressed by the evidence. Although certain facts are them- 

 selves often undisputed, yet the deductions made from 

 them are hotly contr^Vl. 



In concluding t* ^^SjjfiJ introductory remarks, we 

 strongly advise sur ^ p^enome^ as nave tne opportunity, 

 to carefully exar^ Accept notft a hereafter mentioned 

 for themselves an v w iH s ift and rd in g on mereaents 

 Any new obse ve ? s ^Mch appear to be'fiifkaBJnable will 

 of fact or de^ctio-.^ to sc ience. 

 be doing a &p 



