8 MEMOIR OF 



of Botany and Mineralogy, while the other branches 

 were comparatively unheeded and unknown. The 

 vast field of inquiry was devoid of labourers, excepting 

 here and there a solitary individual who pursued the 

 sequestered paths of Science, rilled with an enthusiasm 

 of which the busy world knew nothing. How wide- 

 ly different is the scene which now presents itself to 

 our view! Behold the multitude which throngs 

 that once neglected arena, and mark the cheering 

 results! We see the unbounded resources of the 

 land brought forth to the light of day, and made to 

 minister to the wants and the intelligence of huma- 

 nity. Every region is explored, every locality is 

 anxiously searched for new objects of utility, or new 

 sources of study and instruction. 



In connection with these gratifying facts, it will 

 be reasonably inquired, who were they who fostered 

 the early infancy of Science in our country? Who 

 were they w T ho stood forth, unmindful of the sneer 

 of ignorance and the frown of prejudice, to unveil 

 the fascinating truths of Nature? 



Among the most zealous and efficient of these 

 pioneers of discovery was William Maclure. 



This gentleman, the son of David and Ann Ma- 

 clure, was born at Ayr in Scotland, in the year 1763; 

 and he there received the primary part of his educa- 

 tion under the charge of Mr. Douglass, an intelligent 



