The Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, Ohio) 1853-1861, 1855-12-15

Davy, and had the honor Of introducing him
as lecturer on chemistry III that institution.
David Rittenhouse, the distinguished
American d5trOnOmar,was native of Penn
Svlvana, the son of farmer, Self-educated,
without literary friends or society, and, with
but two or three books, became, before he
was twenty-Gour years of age. the rival Of the
two greatest mathematicluns in Europe.
His nights, the only leisure time he nioyed,
were devoted to reading and study He pro-
iected and completed an instrument which
required great scientific and mechanical skill
the orrery-which ELECTED the commanda
tions and admiration Of the learned Of all
the world. This raised him from obSCurity
and spread his name and fame throughout
Europe. He predicted the transit of Venus.
with such unerring certainty, from elaborate
calculation, that it appeared almost at the
instant he had designated, which so overcame
his feelings, that he is said to have tainted.
He was elected president Of the American
Philosophical Society after DR.. Ftankin's
death; member Of the American Academy
of Science, at Boston, and Of the Royal So
ciety of London. The colleges showered their
degrees upon him. without number He was
ID stranger to pride, and . thought time Of
greater value than health.' Mr.. Jefferson,
in refutation of a theory of Button, said ::
1--WE have supposed Mr. Rittenhouse sec
ond to no astronomer living that in genius
he must b. the first because he is self
taught :" and is entitled to stand with New
ton and La Place.
Benjamin West, whose fame as an artist
is world wide, was born in PENNSYLVANIA,
the son ofa Quaker In the comm encemAnt
of his career, for the want OF paints he was
compelled to use red and yellow cOlorS which
he learned to prepare from the Indians and
for brushes. h. used the hair of ii cat. By
perseverance, and industry he became a mem
ber and afterwards president. of the Royal
Academy of London.
| might cite instances of men who started
without advantages, and have raised them
selves to some Of the highest stations in our
government. Chief Justice Marshall, of the
Supreme Court of the United Stut's, perhaps
the brightest ornament that ever adorned
that bench, never received college educa-
ton. Henry Clay. one Of the greatest states
men and orators that ever lived possessed
no other advantages than are within the
reach Of all who hear me. Robert Y. Hayne,
of South Carolina, one Of the most accom-
plished orators that ever adorned the Senate
of the United States, and whose great intel
lectual contest with the immortal Webster,
on the FOote resolution, has placed him IN
the front rank Of statesmen, never enjoyed
more than ordinary advantages at the Begin
ming OF his career. But why should | relate
particular instances? We have everything
to entce and stimulate us to noble efforts.
We have country and national career Of
which we may be Justly proud; constitu-
ton which has made us what we aye; liber-
al, enlightened, alfording boundless scope for
the qualification Of honorable ambition, and
for acquiring name which shall be cock
tensive With
There are some considerations which earn
estly call upon every young man to devote
every energy of his mind to the acquisition
Of useful knowledge. We have mission
to perform, and if we are not about it early,
efficiently, diligently, like men who are de-
termined TO act with the advanced spirit of