The Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, Ohio) 1853-1861, 1856-12-25
The Uses of Scientific Literature.

The applications Of science to the arts Of
life are such as but few years ago would
have been contemplated with amazement, and
even incredulily. How has this been accom-
plshed? By the steady pursuit of such
knowledge, by study and experiment, and by
literature which hands down the discoveries
and improv ements made by the hands of toll
and genius.
Literature fosters science, by treasurng up
and transmitting all the knowledge which has
been acquired in times past, SO that it can be
rendered subservient, by lis application to the
arts in every succeeding age.
This may be truly said to be the extent OF
the usefulness Of scientific History as publish
ed in books. Periodical scientific literature
is more useful; it may justly claim to be very
nearly related to progressive science itself, and
of near kindred to discoveries and inventors.
Science consists in the clearly explained and
well arranged discoveries OF men of genius
and research. Every new invention exlcnls
the boundaries of science is contribution
to the treasury Of knowledge. and a step on.
ward in the progress Of civil za,ion. How
ar discoveries and inventions made Many
persons suppose they are the otfpring o
lucky rambling thoughts, which, like the mu,
sic Of the wandering winds, come and 90 un
bidien, and these they call "stIokes Of gen
ius" II such views were correct, inventor:
would have little to be proud of; if such opin,
ions are true, the esteem in which the mem
ory Of men of genius is held, is entirely mis-
placed. But such views are not correcr, no
aie such opinions true. Many valuable dis
coveries and inventions have been made sud
denly, such as the law of gEaviiat, n, an
the steam engine but they were not the re
suits of rambling thoughts; their autl ha,
their minds ardently fixed upon the subj .ct
OF their inventions when they made them
Had this not been the case iheir nam, woul,
never have been handed lown to US covered
with well,earned Donors. Inventions, dis
coveries, and improvements are made by tn
attention of men of genius-those who Cal
plar-being directed TO particular subjects
Were their minds not so directed, scl,nc
would be stunted in its growth, and gen IL
would bring forth but few fouits of the bene
fit of man. What is the great agent for di
recting the thoughts Of the sons oil genius t
useful subjects Periodical scientific litvra
ture. 1t fixes the minds of IT fective and OF
serving persons on particular questions
sharpens their intellect and the results ar
the eyolutlons oil numerous inventions an
discoveries, and an extension of the bouuda
Tes of science.
There are thousands of men in our couu
try who have original powers of min1-ir
ventive faculties of high order-that al
laying unproductive for want of being promp
ed BY. periodical scientific literature. Wel
they brought within its influence they woul
soon develop many new inventions to benei
themselves and others.
The extract from the report of the Seer,
tary Of the Interior in another column show
that the spirit of improvement is active in u
country. Useful inventions have wonderful
increased in number within the past few year
We have caIefully watched the rapid lrC
gress of improvement, and have noticed tn,
it has been running in parallel lines with OF
increased circulation, thus affording plsasin
testimony to the great usefulness OF scieniif
periodical literature - S, snt;Ge Amer.