VI. 



the first lecture, viz. on the Study of Natural History and 

 the Sciences, subsequently to its delivery in the I*le of Wight, 

 was read before the Philosophical Society at Portsmouth, in 

 return for the compliment paid to his own Institution by one 

 of its distinguished members, who favoured it with a very 

 interesting discourse on Light and Vision. 



A mutual desire to communicate information, and thus 

 to render knowledge more general and useful, forms one 

 of the leading features of scientific associations ; and this 

 necessarily tends to promote that kindly and hospitable under- 

 standing between the respective members of each, which at 

 once places ceremony at a distance, and makes a formal intro- 

 duction altogether unnecessary. The author has been led to 

 this reflection, from the very polite and friendly reception he 

 experienced upon his visit to Portsmouth ; where, under the 

 direction of some scientific gentlemen, an excellent institution, 

 (embracing a comprehensive museum and a suitable lecture 

 room,) has been established, that promises great advantages 

 to that important place, and to its very populous neighbour- 

 hood. 



With respect to the utility of such associations now extend- 

 ing themselves throughout the kingdom, he may be permitted 

 to remark, that as it has been deemed of importance to bestow 

 the light of science on the labouring classes, it surely is still 

 more essential, that the middling ranks (upon whom the welfare 

 of society so mainly depends,) should also partake of its benefi- 

 cial influence ; and he is not aware of any pursuit more calcu- 

 lated to enlarge their minds, and to lay the foundation for use- 

 ful knowledge, than the contemplation of that subject which 

 the above societies alluded to, have principally in view; 

 namely the works of the creation, the laws by which they 

 are reguiaied, and the practical applications of which they 

 are susceptible. 



Should the author in his humble endeavour, in any degree 

 have called forth in the minds of his readers, the feeling 



