EXORDIUM. 243 



in their effect as counterpoises to superstition and barbarism ! 

 and in this point microscopic science surely has its voice 

 among the rest. All men are apt to despise their neigh- 

 bours' pursuits, and to dignify their own as the only ones 

 of real importance and value : but while the use of the 

 microscope is sanctioned by the examples of POND, of 

 AMICI, of WOLLASTON, of HERSCHEL, and of BREWSTER, 

 Avho disdain not to relax from their severer studies in 

 such pursuits, he must be very hardy and fastidious in- 

 deed who dares to deride and condemn them. 



Great disgrace has been brought on microscopic 

 science by the manner in which it has been perverted to 

 the support of preconceived opinions and hypothetical 

 views, as well as to a spirit of wonder-making. I hope 

 that a new and golden age of observation will now 



commence. 



C. R.G. 



MARCH 1837. 



