VI PREFACE.
cipate itself from scientific subjugation to foreign countries. It has
striven, and continues to strive, to form for itself a scientific and
literary character, as it has long since established one for national
glory. The foundation of a national temple of learning and
science, is already laid by our venerated fathers—the literary genius
of our country is no longer questioned. In its native strength
it is ample and ready to be called into requisition, while a greater
degree of liberality in education would render it operative and eifi-
cient. The materials are furnished by the physical and moral
aspect of our interesting country. The genial influence alone of
national encouragement and protection is wanting, to complete in
the approaching half century, a superstructure at once durable and
gigantic. The commercial depression which has pervaded our Union
for some time past, and of which there seems little prospect of
removal, will be attended with at least the benefit of promoting
science and literature. This it will effect by inviting a more extensive
cultivation of the liberal professions—and by the necessity
which will be perceived to improve our knowledge and taste of the
different branches of physical science, with the ulterior object of enhancing
our agricultural interests, or augmenting the force and usefulness
of the manufacturing policy. Without an avowed, or perhaps
actual predilection, for either of these great interests, the declaration
may be fairly ventured, that conflicting as they may seem
to be relatively to intrinsic objects, they will produce the union suggested,
in favour of science and the liberal arts.
PREPACE. vu
A laudable spirit of encouragement to a cultivation of our own resources
has been already evinced, by the efforts of the present administration,
in attaching scientific departments to military exploring
embassies. By thus affording facilities for learned men to penetrate
the recesses of our territory, a correct knowledge of the country will
be acquired. Already the expeditions have resulted in the accumulation
of geographical and natural historical documents and information,
of high value to our national interests ; thus giving evidence
at once of their usefulness and the liberal views under which they
originated. Fostered by this spirit of encouragement, the native
genius of our country can expand her wings, and, soaring over
its extensive and fruitful regions, return loaded with literary and
scientific treasure. Hence Americans will dwell with pride on
the rising literary fame of their extensive and happy country.
They can indulge the fond anticipation, that its scientific greatness
may become the brightest charge on the escutcheon of its he-
raldric emblazonment,
Deeply impressed with these sentiments, the author has naturally
entertained the idea, that, though the efforts of an individual can accomplish
but very little, towards so great an object as promoting
the advancement of national science : still something may be
effected, even by individual labour, in a department too much
neglected by native Americans, too much contemned by narrowminded,
self-interested teachers, in distinguished medical schools;