XCIV 



mind for years has been dissipated in a moment, by simply exhibiting the 

 phenomenon itself whilst explaining the laws that control it. 



The difficulty of retaining in the memory scientific facts acquired by 

 the study of the subject in books alone, is well known to every one; but 

 when they come fo us accompanied by some visible or tangible evidence, 

 the mind is indelibly impressed. In this way, too, the pursuit of knowledge 

 becomes more attractive. Whenever a few of the chief principles in any 

 department of science are clearly explained and understood by the student, 

 the fascination of the subject begins at once to appear. He feels that he 

 is no longer a drudge, but that his labor is one constant source of plea- 

 sure. A world of novelties are developed in succession before him. and 

 with delight he moves forward to examine each in its turn. When all the 

 facts which have been garnered by others have been studied and mastered, 

 he wanders forth into unexplored by-ways eagerly searching for new 

 truths, or treads again the old familiar fields to seek such treasures as 

 may yet be undiscovered. 



In all civilized lands we find a class of intelligent men who assume to 

 disregard everything scientific. This affectation comes simply from a 

 want of reflection. The lives of all men, even of those having but a 

 small share of common sense, give the lie to such pretension. In 

 sickness, the patronage bestowed upon the mountebank springs from an 

 innate respect for a higher degree of knowledge than that which the suf- 

 ferer feels himself possessed of. In every department of industry, and in 

 all the avocations of life, men who speak thus lightly are nevertheless 

 continually manifesting by their actions their deference for science. In- 

 deed, the blessings, comforts and facilities which attend mankind in every 

 nook and corner of civilization, and which are the direct results of the 

 teachings of science, are so multitudinous, that no man of ordinary in- 

 telligence can fail to be impressed with their number. 



The civilization of to-day is in reality mainly founded upon our know- 

 ledge and application of physical science. To this cause are we almost 

 wholly indebted for the superior refinements, methods of life, and multi- 

 plicity of appliances for increasing our happiness. Nor does the glory 

 of science end with these magnificent and tangible evidences of her power. 

 To her is chiefly due that moral force which characterizes civilized life. 

 She pervades all departments of intellectual labor, and all theories and 

 forms, whether of law, commerce, agriculture, social economy or g>vern- 

 ment, are subjected in some measure to her crucial tests. Even Sacred Writ 

 accepts just such interpretations as her inexorable laws demand. Through 

 her teachings we are learning to correctly estimate the value of experi- 

 ment and observation, and to demand that evidence shall precede belief. 

 Already has the startling fact dawned upon the human understanding, 

 that man's welfare on earth is wholly dependent upon his implicit obser- 

 vance of certain immutable laws: and only through the most perfect 

 knowledge of these, can he hope to yield that invariable obedience which 

 secures the highest degree of human happiness. Science, which we have 



