166 The Advance of Science. 
nature ; and fossil remains were supposed to be the bones of fallen 
angels! Later, these and similar remains were thought to be the 
skeletons of a race of giants, supposed to have once inhabited the 
earth. But as time flew on, the science of geology arose, and has 
successfully proved these to be the remains of mammoth quadru- 
peds, which unknown ages ago roamed over this earth in perfect ° 
freedom, while huge reptiles, equally terrible, took possession and 
maintained undisputed sway over the Triasic and Jurasic seas. 
Fragments of the bones of these huge monsters, and also gems 
like the amethyst and ruby, were supposed to possess miraculous 
virtues and great healing properties. 
Electricity, as lightning and in other forms, was regarded as 
being sent out by the gods to manifest their displeasure for some 
offence. But here again modern science has triumphed, and has 
made even this powerful element subservient to its will. And, 
while we have no proof that the ancients had any superstitious fear 
of steam, it is certain they knew nothing of its great power. But 
this, too, by the aid of modern genius, man has brought under 
subjection and caused to labour for his benefit. 
Of the art of printing they knew nothing, and it seems strange, 
too, that they should not; for the Babylonians used a kind of 
hand-stamp in stamping their tables, bricks, and pottery ; and the 
Romans used a ring with a device for stamping seals upon their 
parchments. But they went no further. This, too, was left for a 
more modern mind to discover. But let us remember that though, 
through the investigations and discoveries of modern science, we 
possess many advantages, and of inestimable value, Egypt, 
Chaldea, Greece, and Rome, all contributed in some way to the 
general advance of science ; whether by their errors or by their 
discoveries, they may each claim ashare. As the ages roll on, 
new discoveries will be made and new facts added to science, 
which is ever seeking new and important truths to add to its 
already well-filled garner. 
But science is still in its youth, and its alphabetis hardly 
learned. As we turn over the pages of the book of Nature, the 
mind is bewildered with the magnitude and splendour of the study. 
But the study is as attractive as it is vast, and the close observer 
ever 
“Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, 
Sermons in stones, and good in everything.” 
Cuas. D. PENDELL, 
zn West American Scientist. 
