\ 



14 



manner in which the waste of matter in the sun and fixed stars, by 

 the constant efflux of light from them, is repaired, and to account 



1 



for certain luminous phenomena in the heavens, which have 

 been hitherto unsatisfactorily explained. These memoirs afford 



evidence that Mr. B 



deeply 



the principles of natural philosophy ; and though the latter me- 

 moir suggests a theory w^hich may be liable to some objections, yet 

 the novelty of it, and the ingenious manner in wdiich he has con- 



scovers an inquisitive mind, and a boldness of ideas, 



sidered it. d 



beyond thpse, who, though learned in the knowledge of others 



are too feeble to 



and 



ence. 



unexplored paths of i 

 If any should be inclined to believe that this system 

 isionary, let them recollect, that some of the greatest men 1 



world has produced have fallen into a like error, and that e^ 



Bacon, a Descartes, a Whiston, and a Burnet, among 



a 



moderns, and a Pl 



Pliny, and an Aristotle, 



o 



the 

 the 



ancients, have advanced theories, which though since found to be 

 defective, has given hints to succeeding philosophers, which have 

 led to some of the most useful and important discoveries that have 

 illuminated and improved the world. Mr. Bowdoln did not rest 



here in his endeav 



to serve 



society ; he gave them p 



niary aid in his life time, and becpeathed them by his last will 

 sum of money, and his large and valuable library. 



eceived many lett 



and personal applications from per 



mechanic arts, and in plans for extendincr the 



manufactures of our country; and 



manner 



hich they 



[■e attended to, and encouraged, led them to consider him 

 eminent degree as their patron and friend. 



THROUGH 



