PRINCIPLES 



OF 



SCIENTIFIC BOTANY, 



INTRODUCTION. 



BOTANY, as an inductive science, comprehends the study of the 

 laws and forms of the Vegetable Kingdom. As an experimental 

 science, it takes a very low position ; and, at present, embraces 

 but a very narrow circle of actually established facts, few indications 

 of natural laws, and no fundamental principles and ideas by which 

 it might be developed. This becomes very obvious when even the 

 answer to the question, <( What is a Plant ? " is yet a problem of 

 Botany. Hence, it must proceed with its researches upon un- 

 doubted plants, and extend itself cautiously and exclusively in the 

 path of Induction. 



1. Botany is a branch of the one and entire Science of Na- 

 ture : since this embraces the laws of Physics and Chemistry, 

 these are indispensable branches of preliminary knowledge. Botany 

 is also, in itself, Science ; consequently the highest product of the 

 activity of the human understanding : but this may be led into 

 error, and follow wrong paths. If we would find truth, we must 

 know accurately what are the laws according to which the powers 

 of the mind work. Botany, therefere, requires a philosophical cul- 

 ture, that is, knowledge of a theory of the intelligent Reason, 

 founded upon an empirical Psychology; in a word, a critical 

 Philosophy. 



2. The objects of Botany are actual existences natural 

 bodies. These must be examined in all possible ways ; and to this 

 many aids are necessary, for even the parts invisible to the naked 

 eye must be investigated. 



B 



