Dr. Mantell’s Lecture on Zoophytes. 329 
Dr. Mantell’s Lecture on Zoophytes. 
The subject* (says the reporter) which he had selected for illustra- 
tion, was one of peculiar interest, and yet perhaps less understood by 
the general observer, than any other department of natural science ; 
nor was this surprising, when we considered that notwithstanding the 
press had poured out books on natural history in such abundance and 
variety as absolutely to retard the progress of knowledge by the over- 
whelming mass of materials, yet there existed not in our language 
one good elementary work on that wonderful division of the animal 
kingdom which it was the purpose of his present attempt to elucidate. 
If it be necessary (said Dr. M.) for me on this, as on previous occa- 
sions, to defend investigations of this nature from the charge of inu- 
tility or frivolity, and answer the question—‘ To what practical end 
and advantage do such researches tend ?” I might refer to the history 
of all science, where speculations even the most unprofitable, have 
invariably led to great practical benefits. But I will take a higher 
ground, and, in the language of a philosopher alike the pride of our 
country and the admiration of Europe, assert, that there is a lofty 
and disinterested pleasure in scientific pursuits which ought to exempt 
them from such questioning. ‘Communicating as they do to the 
mind the purest happiness, after the exercise of the benevolent and 
religious feelings, of which our nature is susceptible, I would allege 
this as a sufficient and direct reply to those who having themselves 
little capacity and less relish for intellectual pursuits, are constantly 
repeating this inquiry.” ‘The natural philosopher, accustomed to 
trace the operations of the laws which the Creator has established, 
in circumstances where the uninformed and unenquiring eye per- 
ceives neither novelty nor beauty, walks in the midst of wonders ; 
every object which falls in his way elucidates some principle, affords 
some instruction, and impresses him with a sense of harmony and 
order, and of deep humility and dependence. Nor is it one of the 
least advantages of these pursuits that they are independent of ex- 
ternal circumstances, and may be enjoyed in every situation of life; 
the calm and dispassionate interest with which they fill the mind, 
renders them a most delightful retreat from the agitations and dissen- 
sions of the world, and from the conflict of passions, prejudices, and 
* Jn aid of the funds of the new Association for the Fishermen of Brighton. 
