4 Introductory Remarks, 



The hopes of its revival have now, unhappily, become com- 

 pletely extinct, by the lamented death of Dr. Bruce.* 



This gentleman, with an accomplished education, with ex- 

 tensive acquirements in science, and great zeal for promoting 

 it in his own country ; advantageously and extensively known 

 in Europe, and furnished with a correct and discriminating 

 mind, and a chaste, scientific taste, was so well qualified for 

 the task which he had undertaken, that no one can attempt to 

 resume those scientific labours which he has now for ever 

 relinquished, without realizing that he undertakes an arduous 

 enterprise, and lays himself under a heavy responsibility. 

 American science has much to lament in the death of Dr. 

 Bruce. 



No one, it is presumed, will doubt that a Journal devoted to 

 science, and embracing a sphere sufiiciently extensive to allure 

 to its support the principal scientific men of our country, is 

 greatly needed ; if cordially supported, it will be successful, 

 and if successful, it will be a great public benefit. 



Even a failure, in so good a cause, (unless it should arise 

 from incapacity or unfaithfulness,) cannot be regarded as dis- 

 honourable. It may prove only that the attempt was prema- 

 ture, and that our country is not yet ripe for such an under- 

 taking ; for ■without the efficient support of talent, knoru'ledge, and 

 money, it cannot long proceed. No editor can hope to carry 

 forward such a work without the active aid of scientific and 

 practical men ; but, at the same time, the public have a right 



* I trust the public will pardon me for stating, that various scientific friends, 

 despairing of the revival of the Journal of Dr. Bruce, had, for some time, pressed 

 me to undertake the editing of a Journal of Science. Considerations of personal 

 friendship prevented me from listening to such proposals till the decline of Dr. 

 Bruce's health, attended by the most alarming symptoms, rendered it very obvious 

 that his Journal would not be revived. Towards the close of last November, in a 

 personal interview, I communicated to him the design of the present work, at the 

 same time oifering to waive it, provided he considered it as probable that his own 

 Journal would be resumed. Of this, however, he gave no encouragement ; but, 

 on the contrary, expressed his warm approbation of my undertaking, authorized 

 me to consider him as a contributor, and to make public use of his name as a 

 patron. It was not till after this that the annunciation of tUis work took place • 

 and it is certain that had not all hope of tlie resumption of Dr. Bruce's Journal 

 been completely cut off, this would not have appeared. 



