PREFACE. XI 



Much might be added to this subject, 

 if considered in a theological light; but 

 since the writings of Boyle, Ray, and 

 Derham, fully prove that the study of 

 natural history enforces the theory of reli- 

 gion and practice of morality, we had 

 better refer to their works in general, than 

 mangle them by imperfect quotations. 



To exalt our veneration towards the 

 Almighty, is the principal end of this 

 sublime science ; and next to that, the 

 various benefits resulting from it to hu- 

 man society deserve our serious consider- 

 ation. 



To give an obvious instance : what won- 

 derful changes have been made in human 

 affairs by the discovery of an obscure mi- 

 neral. The antients, ignorant of the ap- 

 plication of the magnet, timidly attempted 

 a mere coasting navigation ; while we, bet- 

 ter informed of the uses of it, traverse 

 the widest oceans, and by the discovery of 

 the new world, have layed open to sci- 

 ence, an inexhaustible fund of matter. 



The rise and progress of medicine, kept 



