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us, and are attractive from their variety, novelty and 

 utility ; they do not so easily involve mankind in quar- 

 rels as other subjects of reflection, which sometimes 

 encourage dispute by their uncertainty, and sometimes 

 by the share which is taken in them by human passion. 

 Physical truths soon gain acceptance, from the fact, that 

 misapprehension cannot long endure where the subject 

 under consideration can be represented under its sen- 

 sible existence ; and conceit or self love, by which men 

 are often led to the most obstinate assertions of previ- 

 ously adopted opinions, has not here such strong tempta- 

 tions to resist, where men are not so often conquered by 

 the superior power of another mind, as by the sentence 

 of nature herself. Moreover, our science is readily 

 accessible to the artisan, and from its intellectual char- 

 acter, is well calculated to elevate him and give him a 

 higher cultivation. Thus it is, that every mechanic is 

 unconsciously gathering fragments of science, which dis- 

 tribute many seeds for reflection. In this manner, a 

 more general appreciation of the real nature of scientific 

 research will be gradually diffused among the multitude, 

 and must ultimately lead to the perception of that unity 

 and connection, which harmonize all branches of know- 

 ledge, and enrich alike the domains of science and the 

 realms of fancy. The kingdom of truth cannot be at 

 variance with itself: no contradiction is possible in the 

 laws of nature ; they are all in the most perfect har- 

 mony, and constitute together one all-comprehensive 

 whole. The apparent discord is always the result of 

 human perversity and the imperfection of knowledge ; 

 and we may rest assured, that a more profound investi- 

 gation will disclose the purest harmony and repose, and 

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