358 NATURE STUDIES. 



the basis and method of all succeeding research ; for 

 from his day to ours the progress of the "germ 

 theory/' or of that doctrine which holds that all life, 

 however mysteriously generated, must spring from 

 pre-existing life, has been uniform and triumphant. 



But the second point to which attention is worthy 

 of being directed, exists in the statement that the 

 practical and actual benefits which have flowed to 

 human health, and which are likely to flow in the 

 future as well the saving of life by the prevention 

 and extermination of disease arise from a simple 

 study in natural history. So-called " practical" 

 minds are often given to loudly express their dis- 

 approval of any science which deals with what, to 

 them, seem mere abstractions. Doubtless, to such 

 minds the study of the development of the " rods " of 

 splenic fever under a watch-glass, must seem a piece 

 of scientific dilettantism; just as information respect- 

 ing the solar system may seem despicable enough, 

 because its results cannot be measured by a profitable 

 currency, or, in plain language, because it " doesn't 

 seem to pay." The best answer to such foolishness, 

 is found in a recital of the results to human and 

 animal life to which natural history study seems 

 likely to lead. Just as two hundred years ago, in 

 Florence, Kedi began the good work by a simple 

 study in zoology, so to-day we are reaping the reward 

 of the earnest work of the botanists and zoologists 

 who toil and labour to spread abroad their saving 

 knowledge. 



