Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1852-07-01
Democracy Of Science.
By josiah HoLBRooK.
NO. 3.

NOs os
The abundant element and powerful agent
already referred 10 is called oxygen. CONS
bined with nitrogen it forms air with hy1
drogeh, water; with hydrogen snd carbon,
vegetables with hydrogen, carbon, aod nj.
trogen, animal matter with the metals II
forms ores, rocks, and soils.
Oxygen, hydrogen, cafboh, nitrogen, and
the metals are the Alphabet Of Nature
This alphabet is so simple thai little child
might learn II a hundred times while he
could learn the alphabet Of books once. II
IS SO delightful as TO be Sought for and used
ny every young mind as the richest o. &u
amnsements. IL is so boundless in extent,
SO minnie 10 its contributions, 80 illmiiable
IN its uses, so transcendant and glori6us id
its beauty and mnlesry, as to put al defiance
and render hopeless any attempt at a full
comprehension of ii by the most powerful
intellect in any created beihg: The etpan-
sion and vasiness of created things 80 en-
lirely oulstrip their exploration and develop
ment as TO present an ample and rich field
OF labor a nd of progress for all hahds; tfrsI-
lects and souls, constantly engaged 10 theft
utmost capacity, for century 10 cothe, and
then leave untouched the greater part of the
wonders of this wonderful world. The
perfecIions and the glory of the Creator, snd
the elevation, dignity, and happiness Of His
MORAL CREATION, will then only be seen by
some slight glimpses of what they may be.
The satne great Creator and Architect Of
this vast universe, who formed the heavens
and the earth Of few simple elements, also
placed in the human sou! an eager and in~
satiable desire 10 know and 10 use these ele-
menIs in accordance with the designs of the
Author, both Of ihaniifate things and Of the
living and dedlhtss soul. To check these
desires is at once 10 do violence 10 the very
nature of our being, and to Illustrate the great
and holy purposes Of Him who made all
things VERY GOOD .iaI
The true democracy Of science ls 10 rem.
der knowledge of the elements and Uses Of
created things as wide. spread as the things
themselves; at least co-extensi4e with hu-
man existence. Permitting and aiding
young spirits to act in obedience 10 those en-
ger desires, those reaching 'and lofty aspira.
lions SO deeply implanted by bouptiful
Creator, would render familiar and extensive
their acquaintance with the different depart.
ments of the storehouse Of riches given Them
10 keep and to use.
Who can doubt iha, If the elements of cre=
ated things, with their endless combinations,
their illnitable uses, and their surprising
beauty, richness, and glory, were made the
subjects and objects nt early instruction,
language to express them, both spoken and
written, would come of course! It could
hardly be avoided. IF it were not provided
otherwise, it would he created as it should
be needed. Language is always crented Us
occasions call for it, both by children Of a
larger ard of smaller growth. Hence this
endless praIng OF unmeaning Phrases, from
books TO learn 10 read is not only useless,
but does violence to the very nature Of the
human soul, and often defeats and perverts
the glorious purposes Of God changes His
very best works into the very worst.