Alabama state intelligencer., 1831-11-12
TUSCALOOSA LYCEUM.
[ From the Spirit ofMc Age. 1


 The follow ing Lecture was delivered weeks sinee be- fare the Tuscaloesa Lveeum by pr JAMES M DAvEN-
 PORT. copy was requested for publication, by the
 Board of Managers of the Lyeeum, and was furnished
 cordngy; aud we take great pleasure m laying il
 before readers.
 The Influence of Climate On the Physical and Intei lcctual Poners of Man.-Amidst the operation of those causes that crowd the circle of man existence, and which seem to direct modify or control his cha racter feeling of interest has urged him. or spirit of philosophical inquiry prompted him to ascertain their nature investigate their operations, and, if pos sible ortiiy himself against their pernicous tenden- cies Bearing on his character the high and sublime impress of his Creators image; capable of reaching that acme ofntellecualim alimprovement as to be almost spirituazed: and the contrary, susceptible o the form or fashion which surrounding circumstances may stamp upon him. man furnlshes to himself the most wonderful subject for his own reflections and at the same time the most difficult to eu . eidate. The mysterious connexlon Of mind with matter. has appeared to the philosopher too in- tricate for his Investigation; and although the alter nate influence of one upon the otler. and the bned operation of both in the production of thought and action, are daily exhibited to him, yet when he attempts to trace the chain, link by link, that unies them, or 10 detect the secret cause of that sympha thetc association that constitutes inc harmony othe system, and evolves all the varied anl beautiful phe nomena of life. he finds his specuations in their
  bold and daring researches; landmark to the limit of his dominion; and shutting out from his inqurng eye, region as yet unknown and unexplorod Con- vinced that spirit is intangible, and not 10 be submit ted to the crucble of his analytic powers he turns his footsteps from its hafowed domains, and in the fall consciousness ofhs ability attempts to familiar ize himself with matter, through all its extensive range of action and influence
 These thoughts have been eclted by reflection upon the subject of this evenings lecure-Ihc ifu ence of Climate upon the Physical and Intellectual Po,ccrS of Man. In the discussion of this subject have been compelled to abrdge my views of it, in order to embrace my remarks in the compass ofme allotted to me. As it also constitutes subject of medical inquiry, hope shall be pardoned for the use of such technicaites as suggest themselves to my mind.
 The order shall observe in tie division of my subject, will be: first, rapid sketch of few ofthe vegiiabe productions of the polar and equatorial re- gions and lastly, view of man as he Is found in his mental and physical character b.
 By climate, 1 mean the prevailing constitution of atmosphere 'relative to heat, wind and moisture, pe culiar to a region. This consultation must depend upon latitude, elevation above Ee sea, and lnsular or continental position. The canse ofthe difference of climate is to be traced to those medical agents that most uniformly operate in their respective spheres or regions and although one two agents may act over the entire face ofthe globe, yet they not uni
 
 the variety and difference in the production of each climate, impartng to the features of country. their peculiar and distinguishing characteristics Ire in uence of the heavenly bodies upon globe has in every age afforded subject for speculative inquiry
 In the study of the laws of gravition, and the ap- proximation of the heavenly bodies to our planet, the philosopher has been enabled to discover the cause of those mighty phenomena which some times present themselves to our view. The fiux and Tenx of the tide the eruptons ofvolcanoes, and the shock ofthe earthquakes are in many instances atri butable to so-unar influence. The production of the vegetable kingdom in it's several classes exhibit to certain extent the pecaliarities of climate Heat and moisture are essential to the growth and expan sion of vegetable life, and IS these agents extend their influence over the entire globe, so far do the confines of the vegetable kingdom extend. Does the bold navigator plunge fearlessy amid the cold and cheeress regions of the north to widen the limits of geographical science, or to effect north west passage, the drearness of the scene is softened by the enivenng tints of yegetation Does the patient traveller wander the arid plains of India or Al rca, exposed to the burning rays of vertical sum- he there finds vegetation assuming its ovelest garb and the oshade othe forest to invite him to repose
 Upon the snow capped Andes, as well as the deep mine at its base, life embodies itself in of the forms of the vegetable kingdom.
 The vegetable kingdom may be represented as cone the poles constitute its base, the equator it's apeI. In the former, it is small and dwarish in the latter, towering and majestic When we contrast the vegetation of the arctic regions with that under the equator, we are struck with the wide disparity; for it is by bringing into the group the tenants of opposite climates, that we at once perceive the won derful effects produced hy physical agents. In the extensive districts ofthe vegetable kingdom, dis cover plants peculiar to certain climates, which, by art of man. can be domesiicated Tn opposite eli mare The luxuriant shrubs of the tropics will not vegetate under the perpetual snOws of the northern winters. Cryptogameous lants constitute the almost entire vegetation of the polar regions; the willow and the birch are found, but never growing higher than one or two feet. The AntscOrbutic constitute the most useful class. The benevolent Author of our existence seems to have consulted the comfort and happiness of man, in the dissemination of hs useful class of vegetables endued with great tena- city of life, it is found from the equator to the poles. To the mariner who spends his winters within the limits of the polar circles. periling his life in the cause of science, is invaluable blessing for he regards this class his surest safeguard against his dreaded enemy, the scurvy The rapid growth of vegetation during few days of northern summer exhibits most wonderful instance of divine good ness, to the wretched tenants of the zone. Expos ed for few days to the yivifying influence of the summers sun the polar plants bring forth their fruit to full maturity.
 Between the tropics, where one continual summer prevails, vegetation assumes its most gigantic form. Ts here that those agents that conduce to the deye- lopement of life, it's rapid growth, maturity and de- cay, highly concentrated lis here that na- lure presents the rich and gorgeous colorng of her peneil-her exquisite and delicate tints of orient beauty 'tis here she has twncd around the coronal of Flora the richest gems of loveIiest hue and her bosom flung her mantle of rainbow-beauty. The unbounded benevolence of Heaven is here too pre- ennently displayed in the wide and extensive dlfu- sion of vegetables essential to mans comfort.
 Tho orange the lemon and ctron; the date, palm and banana. and the bread fruit tree, constitute the most valuable productions of this climate. The sub-acid fruits seem especially intended by nature for man, in tlis region. They subdue the internal excitement of his system, produced by the burning heat of the atmosphere, and cool the aror of his e-