10 
INTEODUCTION. 
depends tlie po w er of forming classes, or of generalizing. Some 
relations or resemblances are seen at the first glance ; others 
are not discovered until after close examination and reflection ; 
but the most perfect classification is not always founded upon 
the most obvious resemblances. A person ignorant of Botany, 
on beholding the profusion of flowers which adorn the face of 
nature, would discover general resemblances, and form in his 
mind some order of arrangement ; but the IBotanist learns to 
distinguish the least conspicuous parts of a plant as most im- 
portant in a system of classification. 
3. System is necessary in every science. It not only assists 
in the acquisition of knowledge, but enables us to retain what 
is thus acquired ; and, by the laws of association, to call forth 
at will what is treasured up in the storehouse of the mind. 
System is important not only in the elevated departments of 
science, but is essential in the common concerns of ordinary 
life. In conducting any kind of business, and in household 
operations, it is indispensable to the success of the one, and 
the comfort of those interested in the other. The logical and 
systematic arrangement which prevails in Botanical science, 
has a tendency to produce the habit and love of order. Who- 
ever traces this system through its various connections, by a 
gradual progress from individual plants to general classes, and 
then descends, in the same methodical manner, from generals 
to particulars, must acquire a habit of arrangement, and a per- 
ception of order, which is the true, practical logic. 
4. The study of Botany seems peGulia/rly adapted to females: 
the objects of its investigation are beautiful and delicate ; — 
its pursuits, leading to exercise in the open air, are conducive 
to health and cheerfulness. It is not a sedentary study which 
can be acquired in the library, but the objects of the science 
are scattered over the surface of the earth, along the banks of 
the winding brooks, on the borders of precipices, the sides of 
mountains, and the depths of the forest. A knowledge of Bot- 
any is necessary to the medical ^profession. Our Almighty Bene- 
factor, in bestowing upon us the vegetable tribes, has not only 
provided a source of refined enjoyment in the contemplation 
of their beautiful forms and colors, and in their fragrance, by 
which in their peculiar language, they seem to hold secret 
cominunion with our minds ; — He has not only given them for 
our food and clothing, but with kind, parental care, has, in 
them, provided powers to counteract and remove the diseases 
to which mankind are subject. For many ages, plants w^ere 
the only medicines known, or used ; but modern discoveries in 
3. Importance of avste^— Practical logic. — 4. Proper study for females —Necessary to the jnedioal 
•rofessioa. 
