OF THE UNIVERSE. THE ARABIANS. 218 



simple contemplation of nature, after the observation of such 

 phenomena on the surface of the earth or in the heavens 

 as present themselves spontaneously to the eye, comes 

 investigation, the seeking after that which exists, the 

 measurements of magnitudes and of the duration of motion. 

 The earliest epoch of such an investigation of nature, chiefly 

 limited, however, to the organic world, was that of Aristotle. 

 In the progressive knowledge of physical phenomena, in the 

 searching out of the powers of nature, there still remains a 

 third and higher stage, that of the knowledge of the action 

 of these powers or forces in producing new forms of matter, 

 and of the substances themselves which are set at liberty in 

 order to enter into new combinations. The means which 

 lead to this liberation belong to the calling forth at will of 

 phenomena, or to " experiment." 



It is on this last stage, which was almost wholly untrodden 

 by the ancients, that the Arabians principally distinguished 

 themselves. Their country enjoys throughout the climate 

 necessary for the growth of palms, and in its larger portion 

 possesses a tropical climate, as the tropic of Cancer crosses the 

 peninsr.h nearly from Maskat to Mecca; it is therefore a 

 >art of the world in which the higher vital energy of the 

 vegetable kingdom offers an abundance of aromas, of 

 balsamic juices, and of substances injurious as well a* 

 beneficial to man. The attention of the people must havt 

 been early directed to the productions of their native soil, ana 

 to those obtained by commerce from the coasts of Malabar, 

 Ceylon, and eastern Africa. In these portions of the torrid 

 zone organic forms are "individualised" in the smallest 

 geographical spaces, each of which offers peculiar productions, 

 and thus incitements to the intercourse of men with nature 



