NATURE AND SCIENCE 19 



the study of Nature, a superior and an inferior. 

 It is in our option to choose either the one 

 or the other, but, like the Ochil paths, our 

 experiences in each will be very different. It 

 is, therefore, proper that we should consider 

 well before we make a selection. 



We may choose, on the one hand, to 

 regard Nature as being exclusively an exhibi- 

 tion of the operations of natural law, taking 

 Science for our sole guide and counsellor. If 

 we do so, we shall find that, although she has 

 stored up many curious and wonderful facts, 

 and has made many strange and instructive 

 discoveries, Science is, nevertheless, a cold 

 and formal instructress. She is not even 

 omniscient, for there is no course of investiga- 

 tion, which we can follow in her company, 

 where she does not soon reach a closed door, 

 of which she cannot find the key. * I do not 

 know,' is the constant reply of the honest 

 scientist. We shall certainly make progress 

 in knowledge, but our journey will be cold 

 and cheerless. It will be not without deep 

 interest, and not without abundant food for 

 thought, but it will have little to stimulate 

 hope, and less to rouse our drooping spirits. 



