Dr. T. R. Beck's Address. 145 



These are more and more understood, as society advances in im- 

 provement and knowledge. I will only add a remark on the sub- 

 ject previously mentioned, as the last in the circle of natural sci- 

 ences — viz. Meteorology. I need not to state how generally it is 

 neglected, or adduce many arguments to illustrate its importance. 

 There evidently are phenomena which can alone be elucidated by 

 it. That the variations constantly occurring in the atmosphere 

 exercise a powerful influence on the general health, is universally 

 acknowledged ; but the extent of this power is imperfectly appre- 

 ciated. Why are we not to find in this the cause of epidemic 

 diseases ? The air itself is demonstrated by chemists to be ho- 

 mogeneous. Whether taken from the Andes, or the valley at 

 their feet— from the surface of the sea, or from the streets of the 

 most crowded city — its constituents are the same. To what more 

 probable cause then, can we refer the origin of general maladies, 

 than to alterations in temperature, density, moisture, or rapidity of 



be too profoundly studied. It may throw light on disputes, which 

 have agitated mankind for centuries. 



I have thus, gentlemen, endeavoured to throw together a few re- 

 marks on the sciences, which are comprised under the general de- 

 nomination of Natural History. The discursive plan which I have 

 adopted, was chosen, not only because I conceived it might em- 

 brace more interesting topics than the examination of a single 

 subject, but that I had also to consult how I could best employ 

 those fragments of time, which I was enabled to allot to the prepara- 

 tion of this address. If I have, in any degree, vindicated the im- 

 portance of the subject, or illustrated its utility, my design has 

 been accomplished. 



This city, from its local situation and its political rank, is pe- 

 culiarly well fitted for the successful cultivation of the branches 

 for which we are associated. With proper exertion, it may be 

 made a focus, in which shall be concentrated all the numerous and 

 diversified productions of our state. Nothing is wanting but a 

 proper devotion of that portion of our time, which can be pru- 

 dently allotted to it ; and an extensive correspondence with intel- 

 ligent and scientific individuals. And we should recollect that we 

 are under peculiar obligations to endeavour to effect this. No so- 

 ciety can long remain stationary. It must increase in usefulness 

 and activity, or it falls by its own weight. While, therefore, wt 

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