11 
INTRODUCTION. 
nature teaches him to call that also a rose. On this operation 
of the mind depends the power of forming classes. 
Some relations or resemblances are seen at the first glance; 
others are not discovered until after close examination and re- 
flection ; but the most perfect classification is not always found- 
ed upon the most obvious resemblances : for example, a person 
ignorant of Botany, on beholding the profusion of flowers 
which adorn the face of nature, would discover general resem- 
blances, and perhaps form in his mind, some order of arrange- 
ment ; but the system of Botany now in use, neglecting the 
most conspicuous parts of the flower, is founded upon the ob- 
servation of small parts of it, which a common observer might 
not notice. 
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 
what is treasured up in the storehouse of the mind. System is 
important not only in the grave and elevated departments of 
science, but is essential in the most common concerns and ope- 
rations of ordinary life. In conducting any kind of business, 
and in the arrangement of household concerns, it is indispensa- 
ble to the success of the one, and to the comfort of those inter- 
ested in the other. The very logical and systematic arrange- 
ment which prevails in Botanical science, has, without doubt, a 
tendency to induce in the mind the habit and love of order ; 
which, when once established, will operate, even in the minut- 
est concerns. 'Whoever traces this system, through its various 
connexions, by a gradual progress from individual plants to 
general classes, until the whole vegetable world seems brought 
into one point of view ; and then descends in the same method- 
ical manner, from generals to particulars, must acquire a habit 
of arrangement, and a perception of order, which is the true 
practical logic. 
The study of Botany seems peculiarly 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 
Avinding brooks, on the borders of precipices, the sides of moun- 
tains, and the depths of the forest. 
A knowledge of Botany is indispensable to the medical pro- 
fession. Our Almighty Benefactor, in bestowing upon us the 
Classification not always founded upon the most striking resemblances, 
as in Botany. — Importance of system. — The study of Botany is practica. 
log ic. — Proper for females. — Adapted to the medical profession. 
