14 JOURNAL AND PROCEEDINGS. 



many countries peopled by races speaking different languages. 

 Latin being the basis of many languages, and natural science being 

 considered a branch of higher education, therefore the adoption of 

 Latin to express the names and parts of scientific objects is consid- 

 ered more universal in its application to the different languages ot 

 the world, insuring thereby greater uniformity ; hence its use. 



Consider what confusion would naturally arise if each different 

 speaking nation or people insisted upon calling a particular object 

 by the name expressed in their native language ; the sciences would 

 be divided into as many sections as there were different languages, 

 and its general adaptation would be impossible, and although the 

 nomenclature may be and is difficult, yet it is possible to acquire ai. 

 intimate knowledge of any one of the branches of science by religi- 

 ously devoting one hour only per day for one year to the study. 

 The man or woman who is an ardent student, as well as an admirer 

 of nature, will not be over-concerned about the foibles, gilt, tinsel or 

 conventionalities of society, because he or she can find more sub- 

 stantial pleasure in the contemplation of the pages of the book of 

 nature. 



I would recommend all who hear me to take up some branch of 

 scientific research and make it your special hobby or favorite pur- 

 suit, in the exercise of which you develop the body, cultivate and 

 liberalize the mind, thereby rising to a higher and fuller realization of 

 what we are capable mentally of accomplishing. The study of any 

 one of the branches of science to him or her who has passed beyond 

 the rudimentary stage experiences an inexpressible pleasure in the 

 discovery of a single fact, which discovery but opens the door to a 

 further and extended mental view in that particular avenue of thought 

 or research, and although in the next forward step the mental atmos- 

 phere may not appear to be so clear, yet, by persistent and faithful ap- 

 plication, the apparent cloud of mystery will vanish, and with new light 

 will come fresh knowledge, which is so gratifying to the earnest stu- 

 dent. Which of you can go out in the bright and balmy morning of 

 spring and not feel touched by the sense of gratitude when you see 

 around you evidence of returning and renewed life, and when by a lit- 

 tle mental reflection you recall to mind the little plant that grew in 

 this quiet nook as if retiring in its nature it sought some secluded 

 spot where it might fulfil its mission undisturbed by the rude hand of 



