Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1857-03-26
FROM THE MALE DEPARTMENT.
BY GEORGE D. SCOTT.

Those who expect distinction as the reward
of continuous study, should occasionally con
template the wide field in which they may act,
that is spread before tlpm
Although we can much more accurately as
certain the nature OF the progress in know
ledge that was made during past ares, than
predict the character of future discoveries, vet.
we have not solely to rely upon vain con
lectures, the achievements themselves of the
few late centuries have formed reIiabIe pre-
cedent from which we may determine the more
advanced degree of perfection which the arts
and sciences will hereafter attain.
Man is so constituted that the boundaries
within which he may investigate are nearly i'm
measurable. The vast amount of information
that may be stored within his capacious mind
only renders it both more deSirons and Suscep.
tibe of additional possessions The instances
are very few in which the capabilities of his
intellect have been manifested Even Newton
and Bacon unsurpassed perhaps in crudit;on,
doubtless, during their bOyho0d days either
voluntarily or through necessity, failed to avail
themselves of many opportunities for mental
culture. But, with their imperfections these
individuals so far eXcelled the commonaty in
wisdom, that we are wholly unable to imagine
the greatness of the power of thought, that
they wOnld have possessed had all circumstan-
cCs been favorable and been improved that ac-
companied their early education Therefore
we should he cautious lest we boast of our
present proficiency.
Man is indeed made but little lower than
the angels" and endowed with active faculties
which in future will guide his Investigations
into untried paths of science, or enable him to
unveiI the mysteries and pass the limits which
yet encirce mnAy of our most common studies.
Brown says, "Thc progress of science is
mainly caused by succession of individual
discoveries" The few who through natural ST..
perority are enabled to nursue their inquiries
farther than others, contnue thus to discover
until death closes their labOrs. Their success.
sors resume the subject under consideration at
the stage in which it was previously dropped,
and, having access to, and benefited with, the
results of preceding toll, present various truths
for contemplation before unknown
In this manner a uniform graduation will
exist with the general advancement of know
ledge from age to aye a. the Creator has
kindly given man the ipcLia1ii0n to reason and
progress, so likewise will there always exist
abundant materials, by an acquaintance with
which this propensity may be gratfcd
The annual increase in the numbers of let
ters patent = auted from Washington, con
ciaSivrIy demonstrates that there is yet an am.
pie field IN which the jngcnuity of the human
mind may he exercised. There has been no
invention however simple that has not prcsen-
ted certain points in which Improvement will
he hereafter made For instance the great
power Of steam as propeIling agent has for
n long period been known by every SchOol-boy
But, the manner in which it may act upon
machinery, both with the practical economy
and safety is problem which the SkiiIfuI me-
chanc has not yet fully solved. Also, the dis
covery of aluminium, which exists SO very alb
undantly, will prove valuable one. 1t con
tains in its crude state the basis of its future
great utility. Yet an acquaintance with the
means hy which this metal may be extracted
from our common clay where it exists, with
any degree of ciIeapneSS, is Il deSideratam
which will only be obtained as the result of
repeated chemical experiments. Thus with
the application Of many substances i4 the man
ufactureS, there exists many particulars in
which improvements will be made, ere the real
value of the substances can be appreciated
The citizens of United States have been so
much occupied with politics and business tran
sactions that they have failed to give that at
tention to the cultivation of the fiuc arts, which
the subject deserves, and will at some period
receive. The old world yet presents models for
our imitation.
If We desire originality and refinement in