194 Scientific Reviews. 
the conflict, and become incurably dumb,* had the theories of — 
Werner and Hutton been comprehended and calmly compared by 
the contending parties, who, in the enthusiasm of the man, often 
sacrificed to unappeasable dogmas the character of the philosopher 
within those walls. 
We are led, then, to believe, that it will be serviceable to sci- 
ence, if we occupy our leisure by throwing off, from the different 
subjects of discussion which agitate the students of nature, the veil 
with which, by obstinate pride and avariciousness of superiority, 
they have put too frequently been enshrouded. 
Disputes of this nature will obviously be of two kinds,—as they 
are under the cognizance of the reason or of the senses. Contra- 
diction in observation or experiment, depending upon the compa- 
rative strength of the eyes or on manual expertness, are, however, 
much more ” easily settled than the contrarieties of mental conclu- 
sions, which are ever the results of inappreciable differences of 
organization. A Festus may charge a Paul with madness ;¢ but 
the people will always have their adage, that “ seeing is believing.” 
We commence this division of our labours, then, under manifest 
advantages, when we select a question which’ is open to ocular 
proof ; requiring only as much exertion of mind as will enable us 
to detect the obstacles which oppose our true perceptions by the 
sight... It must be recollected, however, that when the aid of in- 
struments is employed, a certain degree of practised skill is requi- 
site, which must vary with the individual. And we do not hesi- 
tate to say, that we must relinquish our opinion on the controverted 
views which we are about to compare, to more accustomed experi- 
mentalists than we profess to be. 
V egetable anatomy and physiology, and especially the history of 
the generative organs and functions, beyond the capability of exa- 
mination by the naked eye, are almost entirely the subjects of mi- 
croscopic investigation, and in proportion to the perfection of the 
use of this instrument has our knowledge of these matters increas- 
ed. The difficulties attending this mode of observation are, how- 
ever, great ; and an authoritative standard is much wanting, whi- 
ther we may look for decision when dispute arises. For each ob- 
server is at present his own oracle, and interprets nature aecording 
to the promptings of his fancy: whilst the public, the universal - 
arbiter, is obliged to listen in blind admiration on the dicta which 
must be believed by faith. Hence, in presenting to our readers an 
outline of the discoveries of Robert Brown, Ad. Brongniart, and 
Raspail, on the structure and functions of the pollen of plants, and 
* Since the violent discussions which took place when geologists were absorb- 
ed in the speculations of Werner and Hutton, debate has been discountenanced 
in the Royal Society of Hdinburgh. 
ce Festus said with a loud voice. Paul, thou art beside thyself; much 
earning doth make thee mad. 
“¢ But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus ; but speak forth the words 
of truth and sobemness.”— Acts of the Apostles. 

