Alabama state intelligencer., 1831-07-02
INTRODUCTORY DISCOURSE,

Discourse on" The HdUdntnSeS y oeeHtJt N
 the Object of the American Lgceun.' . e.,
 The utity of the sciences in the formation of the intellectual character will not at the present day pc called in question. The man who has never ielt their discplinary influence, will be deficient in men tai power and energy. He will never become close thinker nor a conclusive reasoner. Though possess ed of the richest natural endowments they will be gems unpublished and unarranged The great object of education is not so much to acquire knowledge, o,tain mental discipline It is to obtain the power of acquiring hnurladge. It is to learn how to learn It is to exercise the mind n those studies which will give it the most active energy. Educa- ton holds that place in the formation of a scholar which learning a trade does in the formation of a mechanic It is learning to use the tools with which we mnst work to the greatest advantage, and with the greatest effect. Now, we know of nothing bet ter adapted to produce this result than scientific studies. They induce those habits of industry of patient research, and thorough investigations which will insure future reputation and success. They teach us to detect allacy in argument and sophstry in reasoning. They arm us alike against the weak ness of creduty, and the rashness oI skepticism. They bring us under the dominion of reason.- They prepare to resist the tyranny of received opinion and to break the shackles of pejudice- The principal superiority of one man tC another whether at the bar in the pulpit or in the hall sof legislation consists in ability to rve his entire at 4ention on the subject before him, and there to con centre all his powers. It will not be denied that scientific studies pre-emnently adapted to train the mind to this state of selfcommand. While these studies impar wholesome discipline to the mind, they communicate useful information. It is upon their cuI. tvation that all the useful ars and most of the com forts ofife depend Aided by the principles science we can unfold many of the mysteries of nature and display many of her hidden beauties. We can bring far-distant objects within the field of vision and magnify indefinitely those which are and minute. By this ad the solitary traveller stretch his way in safety across the painless desert and the mariner direct his prov to the far-dstan port. By the aid thus afforded, we can determine the form and di- mensions of this earth discover the laws by which the succession of day and night, and of summer and winter, are regulated; ascend to other planets measure their distance and magnitude calculate the period of their revolutions the rapdity ofther move ments and the laws by which they are held iA their orbits To determine how far this country and Europe are indebted to their knowledge of physical sciences, for their present political power and superiority to the nations of Asia and Africa would lead to some interesting inquiries and researches, m which, how ever the present occasion vii not permit us to indulge. The certainty attendant on mathematical demonstra- tons imparts peculiar pleasure to the mind. We dwell with conscious satisfaction on the sure result to which we are conducted Here is weighing of Probabilities; no balancing of conflicting evidences. In mixed mathematics where we treat of physical subjects definitions cannot be exact, our conclusions so certain. But even in physical sci ence since the introduction of the Baconian phio- sophy, the mind has the satisfaction of reposng on facts; the phenomena, or actual appearances of na tural things, being the only allowed data. In this consists the principal superiority of the modern over the ancient philosophy. The philosophy of the an- -cients was built much on conjecture; that of the moderns is founded experiment. Formerly
 when philosophers did understand the true causes of things, they taxed their ingenuity to supply ma- ginary ones and mere hypothesis allowed to impart to their minds all the satisfaction of real knowledge. Modern philosophers, by patient ex- animation of effects endeavor to ascend to causes, till they arrive at the great First Cause of all thin This process is called Analysis They endeavor to separate those effects which produced by the combined influence of different causes and to refer each to its elementary principles. When they have referred all the changes in nature to few elementary principles to which they seem to belong, they leave these as ultimate facts, which they are not called upon to explain account for. They at most clas sify these primary elementary principles.
 Lord Bacon, Chancellor to King James l. has justly been styled, the Columbus of the phosophi- cal world. It he who first perceived the imper- fections of the reigning philosophy, and who had the hardhood to attempt to subver it, and to lay the foundation of that useful philosophy which has since led to so many glorious discoveries.
 The name of Boyle is also intimately associated with the revival of true science. In 1645 he was one of small number of learned men who when all academic studies were interrupted by the civil wars, secreted themselves, and held private meet ings, for the purpose of cultivating natural know
 
 con had delineated This private association was the origin of the present Royal Society" of London
 The discovery of the principle of universal gravi- tation has mmortazed the name of Newton and reflected no common honor on the country which gave him birth. We have not time here to trace the steps in that process which conducted him to this grand result those valuable abors of his decessors, which prepared the way for his success. The industry of Newton is trait in his character worthy of the imitation of every who aspires to ,.,NzI FTa |. his own greatness. He solemnly declared, that if he had done the world any service, it was due to nothing but industry and patient hought; that he kept the subject which he had under consideration. constantly before him, till the first dawning opened gradually by little and little into full and clear light With all his scientific studies and success Newton did not forget the obligations of religion
 1t is sad that amidst the great variety of books stantly before him, that which he studied with the greatest application was the Bible, particularly in the latter years of his life; and that he understood the force of moral certainty, as well he did that of strict demonstration.
 The French mathemacians have particularly ex- celed in the elaborate application of the theory of gravitation to the investigation of the most minute and intricate details of the celestial notions The name of Laplace will ever be associated with what ever is profound and sublime in physical Astronomy He is the Newton of our age. Though Astronomy appears at first sight to have little connexion with the affairs of the dwellers upon earth there is pro- bably, in the whole circle of the sciences, no one which has conferred greater benefits by its discove- ries or which exhibits more illustrously the march of human intellect From astronomical observations Geography and Chronology have derived important advantages. The admeasurements of the former. and the periods of the latter have thus been more accurately determined. From this source also light has been thrown on various passages and events in the Jewish and Christian Scriptures Astronomy has rendered the most valuable services to Naviga- ton. It is, indeed the basis of commerce. It has. also, dssipated those idle fears, which are occasion ed by extraordinary celestial phenomena, and the which result fom ignorance of our relation with nature: Comets were regarded by most of the