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We can bettei' study natural history from Nature than from 

 books. Take for instance, the smallest and most insignificant 

 forms of plants or animals and subject them to investigation 

 and what sources of refined pleasure they afford. The micro- 

 scope also will tell the same fact, and show how the universe is 

 but an assemblage of atoms. Then how the mystic power of 

 Nature converts decay into new forms of beauty, — in her 

 laboratory there is nothing useless or worthless. So there will 

 be found a practical utility in the study of natural history, to 

 which the attention of the agriculturalist should be turned. — 

 Then there are woods, gums, metals, ores, earths, too yet to be 

 applied to the arts ; and new healing virtues in plants. Indeed, 

 in the religious as well as educational aspect of the subject, the 

 advantages could be seen. Nature likewise gives a new life to 

 her student, revealing pleasures and delights to his senses and 

 intellect. In view of these thoughts his testimony was in favor 

 of a more general attention to the study of Creation. 



On conclusion of his lecture. Rev. John L. Russell (James 

 Kimball, Esq., being called upon to preside) expressed himself 

 gratified with the lecturer's success. He urged the importance 

 of studying natural history in the public schools — the more so 

 would he urge this, after the past hour's experience. It ought 

 to encourage others among us to speak on subjects kindred to 

 their tastes, thus imitating Mr. P. in his effort, &c. &c. The 

 Institute then adjourned. 



Wednesday^ May 10, 1854. 



The annual meeting was held this day at 3 o'clock, P. M. 

 Rev. John L. Russell, Vice-President, in the chair. 



Records of the last annual meeting and a list of donations 

 to the Library and Cabinets, were read. 



Report of the Secretary read and accepted. It states, that 

 the present number of Members is two hundred and twenty-six. 

 Within the year past two have deceased, and there have been 

 admitted seventy-one new members. A retrospect of the past 



ESSEX INST. PROCEED. 10. 



