The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1853-03-10
BY JOSIAH uOLBR00K.

The seeds of science have been widely scat
tered through Congressional districts by those
them. Reports of our resources
have thus been distributed by thousands and
millions collections Of minerals and other spe-
cimens, showing the character Of those re
sources, have also been distributed in consider
able numbers. BY "CABINETs or AGRIcUL-
TURE AND MECHANISM" properly selected
classified, labeled, and described, not only our
natural resources, but their applications and
capabilities. might be widely exhibited in a
most available form. A few thousands thus
applied Tor dltlusing, IN practical, available
form, the knowledge accumulated by scientific
explorations, would increase many fold the
value of the millions wisely appropriated for
making such explorations.
The elements of agriculture and mechanism
are exceedingly few, simple, and comprehen-
sive. Hence, collections of limited character,
properly prepared, would illustrate the funda
mental principles, and many OF the practical
workings, OF those two great pursuits of human
beings; giving, at the same time, compre-
hensive grasp of the elements of science in its
greatly varied relations to human progress and
human elevation.
Even one such collection, placed in each
Congressional district, To be- used at the dlscre-
tion OF him representing it, could hardly fail TO
exert a widespread and powerful, because a
combined, influence upon the science, wealth.
and morals, of our country. The far reaching
instruction and the inherent riches in the ele-
ments of nature and combinations of art, when
practically exhibited, seldom, If ever fail TO ex
cite the enthusiasm Of all young spirits, and is
especially fitted to secure the interest. by graft
fying the taste, of the female mind. In nu-
merous cases the wives and daughters of mem
bers of Congress, also Of the supreme Judges of
our land, have given practical, productive de
monstrations OF their appreciation of the great
value, and the inherent beauty and richness, Of
these keys Of kno,cledge, in opening by them
its treasures for adding to the progress and the
rehnements OF art.
BY such agencies, and the various privileges
and influences connected with them, such col
lections in all our Congressional districts would
constitute so many radiating points Of scientific
light, all so blending and comminglng their
rays as to spread one common food Of light
over our entire country. Directly and indi-
rectly. colleges, academies, and schools, would
feel their influence BY these combined agen-
cies, general spirit of inquiry would be
awakened. embracing both schools and faml-
No. VIM" 'hi"hf' 'N'hu'u "ho
combined. could not fail TO secure the most
complete development of our natural resources,
aud the best application Of those resources TO
tho requirements Of body, mind, and soul
Such inquiries for such objects would, Of
course, find the public press as the most pow
erful helper. II has, indeed. been the strong
agency for awakening such inquiries, and Sc
curing such progress, as to produce common
feeling Of amazement, in view Of present as
poets and prospects, armed with new enthu-
siasm, for inquiries still more searching, aiming
at advancement still more lofty and triumphant
1t does not require gift Of prophecy TO foretel
that the public press is destined, ere long. to
become one grand "ScIESrIFIc JOURNAL"
loading its columns with the beauties, the won
ders. and the riches of science, with the noble,
lofty aim. Of using that science for the high and
holy purposes designed by the Creator.