Vi PREFACE. 



cipate itself from scientific subjugation to foreign countries It has 

 striven, and continues to strive, to form for itself a scientific and 

 literary character, as it has long since established one for national 

 glory. The foundation of a national temple of learning and 

 science, is already laid by our venerated fathers — the literary ge- 

 nius of our country is no longer questioned. In its native strength 

 it is ample and ready to be called into requisition, while a greater 

 degree of liberality in education would render it operative and effi- 

 cient. The materials are furnished by the physical and moral 

 aspect of our interesting country. The genial influence alone of 

 national encouragement and protection is wanting^ to complete in 

 the approaching half century, a superstructure at once durable and 

 gigantic. The commercialdepression which has pervaded our Union 

 for some time past, and of which there seems little prospect of 

 removal, will be attended with at least the benefit of promoting 

 science and literature. This it will effect by inviting a more exten- 

 sive cultivation of the liberal professions — and by the necessity 

 which will be perceived to improve our knowledge and taste of the 

 different branches of physical science, with the ulterior object of 

 enhancing our agricultural interests, or augmenting the force and 

 usefulness of the manufacturing policy. Without an avowed, or 

 perhaps actual predilection, for either of these great interests, the 

 declaration may be fairly ventured, that conflicting as they may 

 seem to be relatively to intrinsic objects, they will produce the union 

 suggested, in favour of science and the liberal arts. 



