The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1822-04-16

These two branches of science are Just emerging
from chains and darkness, and beginning 70 VISIT tle
Preside of the housekeePer, well AS the snop OF te
auc,hecary and the office of the physician Botony
was chaos OF hard names, rendered std darker ~
the unmeanng noStrums in which plants were com
pounded until Tournefor and Inneus gave order ahd
harmony TO this kingdom of nature. Chemistry was
long enthraled with the shackles OF the alchyHnst
aud even after the days of alchymy mad passed away
disorder and confusion threw dark mist over the sci
ence until the bright sun Of the illustrous Lavoiscr
arose.
After the DAYS of Linneus and LavoSier the sclen-
ces of botany and chemistry were for con5ieraoie
time locked up il the learned Institutions as to- sa
cred for the approach OF the vulgar Al len3u' ollA
Gurus aud some other learned EngishInen, succeeded
III making botany popular study in England and
several writer's well as public lectures, di1 lnuch
towards introducing the study Of chemistry among The
manufacturers and artists OF that country, As Wen a.
among private gentlemen.
orr 6yp connrrvn,en were not far behind the Eng
lsh in similar exertions. But these exeftons were
confined 10 the large towss, mostly on Oh near me sea
board for considerable time. Dr. Hosack, Oh NeW-
York DR.. Barton of Philadelphia. and some others,
did much in these towns, for botany and Mr. Erls-
com Of Newly was pretty early IN his attempts to
render the study of chemistry popular IN that city
Some attempts in chemistry made m the interior
Of our country also nearly the sa nc time In These
taerating courses the most brilliant experiments were
morally selected which were rathsI cdCu-@Ieu ~
dazzle than to instruct.
In the wear 1910 popular course OF lectures on bot
anv was given at Catskill, n K which IS supposed
was the first given In the lQterior OF ne norern STATES
aud perhaps first in the interior OF North AMERICA
But there being no system OF American plants at
thar time written in popular Language, was found 20
be impossible 10 render the study vt pants popudr.-
Towards the close Of tue year 1910 the then teacher
OF botany Caskil began 10 prepare 10 pam popu-
lar language Of plants FOR the nothefn sateS.
Bat he soon found that small proportion al the
plants oil that district of country had been described
and that the particular localities Of plants werc 50 lit
tie known, he could not safely proceed Winnie he
was waiting for materials, Dr. Bl9eiowt OF Boston
published popular descriptions OF about nall OF the e-
nogamous plants in the vicinity Of the town. This
work was of great service the science. DIR. Mum
lcnbergs catalogue followed IS the Flora Of Pursh,
though both published an Latin inInl,hed ample
materials for popular treatise BY the aid OF these
and some other materials the long contemplated rs
tenn Of plants for the northern and middle states at
length appeared under the title OF the Manual OF boa-
ny, &c. Our country seemed to be rpered TOT the
reception oitha science AT the moment Of the appear
ance of the Manual Of Botany. Two editions were
sold off IN a very short time and before the third
could be prepared orders were received for about half
| the edition.
The progress which has been made in the study Of
botany since the first appearance OF the Manuel is We
~ great We have now collectors Of plants scatter
ed through all parts o1 territory Few plants are
daily sent for examination to experienced botan-
iSs and thus treasures are gathered III ior tie
benefit Of the science Excellent original heatises are
frequently published, honorable TO the Anercan char
actcr. But as all our boanists seem TO be united IN
making the Manual the standard book for Students and
the pocket companion for the travelling botanISt, the
author receives the united aid of our best botausts for
improving his work. The present edition, which -
st from the press Of Webster and SINNERS OF Alba
nv, contains every known improvement pto the comi
mencement of the year 1922 1t is now considered
BY Mr. Eaton its author the pioneer TO the learned
works Of Elcott Pursh Muhenberg, INITIAL, Barton.
Bgelow, Tory q others vile II guides the student
through his early vandcrings and aids the traveller in
his rural ramblcs. .4luay Daily Advertiser.