PROGRESS IN STUDY OF NATURAL SCIENCE 23 
acquirements for want of books. The new studies 
in which I have engaged are mineralogy and 
geology.” 
He then proceeds:— 
“ My acquirements may be enumerated in a few 
words. Of most of the physical sciences I have got 
a smattering. In zoology I have made considerable 
progress, particularly in ornithology. I have just 
begun the study of mineralogy. But botany, with 
which I began the study of Nature, and which I have 
cultivated for two years, has been peculiarly capti¬ 
vating. Yet, though I may be well acquainted with 
the principles and terms of the art, I have not 
examined above six hundred species. 
“ These are the departments of science to which 
I am most inclined by nature. Consequently these 
in which I ought to excel. 
“Of medicine, including anatomy, physiology, 
medicine proper, surgery and pharmacy, I know a 
little, and just a little. Chemistry, as applicable to 
medicine, engaged my attention. I have heard 
lectures on it and studied it with some attention. 
“ The other sciences of which I have just a 
smattering and nothing more are mathematics, 
philosophy, natural and moral, and agriculture. Of 
civil history I know very little. 
“Thus I cannot boast of having acquired a 
thorough knowledge of any science. Yet I must 
confess I am in a fair way, and if I can but acquire 
habits of industry and assiduity I may, before the 
end of four or five years, be eminent in something. 
I have certainly laid a good foundation, and the 
knowledge which I possess of so many sciences, 
little as it is, will enable me with greater ease and 
certainty to excel in any one of them or any 
other.” 
