93 



TO THE 



PUBLIC 



To ftudy the works of Creation with intelligence, is the exclufive 

 privilege of man, and highly exalts his dignity above that of all other 

 animated beings. When he looks around among created objects, 

 he is prefented with innumerable inftance* of the molt admirable 

 contrivance in the ftrutture of every being, for fulfilling the wifeft 

 purpofes. Wifdom, Power, and Goodnefs, are manifefted in the 

 form and deftination of every natural body. How then can man be 

 more honourably employed than in ftudying the works of his 

 Creator ? Every means, therefore, which can facilitate the acquifi- 

 tion of this vaft and noble object of human knowledge, muft cer- 

 tainly be conducive to promote the mod rational happinefs of man- 

 kind. "*• 



For the attainment of this Philofophy of Nature, it is neceiTary 

 to poffefs fome knowledge of the objects of creation, as they are 

 connected with each other in one vaft chain of being, and as natural- 

 ly arranged under greater and letter links of mutual relation. With- 

 out an acquaintance with thefe, the pleating and highly important 



b ftudy 



