Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1858-11-10

PROF YoNNAN's Observation-Disclosures
the rainy weather, and the almost impossible con-
dtion of the streets, the MeIOdeon was filed last
night with an appreciative audience, to listen to
Prot. Yonman's lecture on Ancient Philosophy.
The lecturer did not agree with those who were
continually advocating return TO the old and stad
methods of knowledge and instruction. He believ
ed in progression and by going back to olden times
we could see lst, the points Of similarity between
those tmes aud the present, and ID, the points of
contrast. The ancients were not behind US in or
iginal intelligence and when we meet with, and
measure them on equal foOtings, they show that
they were our equals at the least The difference
between the scientific attanments of old times and
the present is attributed to the different methods
by which that knowledge is obtained. We all live
in two worlds the outward in which al are alike
interested and favored, and the inward where each
one has a separate and distinct existence. The
great object of Philosophers in all ages is to make
this inner and ou!er world harmonize, and while
the ancients took, each his exterior, peculiar
existence and endeavored from that to regulate
the whole intericr world, we, on the other hand
take the outer world as the grand foundation, and
mould our own eIistences III accordance with that
The contrast between the knowledge of children
now and philosophers of those ancient days was
shown in the explanations of light, lightning, an
eclipse, &c, as given BY each While they would
give great conclusions at which they had jumped,
as the solution, the child now gives the true and
simple reason for such natural properties and &C.
currences
review was made of tbe different theories of
the formation and the origin ofthe world, different
philosophers having regarded air, fire, water, &c.
as the germ. The many astronomical theories of
Aristotle, Plato Pliny and others were given, and
their absurdities Shown. Pliny originated the idea
of the harmony Of the spheres" an idea which has
kept thirty generations of poets iu business The
history and ideas Of the middle ages were spoken
of, when, as now, the great point was to be con
tinually dsputing about such mGHleRtOuS ques-
tions ''Do the angels speak Greek OF. Hebrew 2"
''How many thousand angels could stand on the
point of a needle without crowding?" &c. This
last actually employed the Professors of an English
Unversary foT three days in active discussion.
But we have not space to mention the many
opinions, superstitions and fallacies which were
presented as specimens of ancient Philosophy, and
no mere outline could give an idea of the finish Of
the lecture. 1t abounded in happy and eloquent
passages the effect of which was much heightened
by the active, energetic manner of the speaker
For an hour and half the attention of the audience
was kept unabated and we not doubt the time seem
ed short to all The two lectures in connection will
be worth much to all who listen TO them
The subject of Thursday evenings lecture will be
Modern Science" The lecture will commence at
l-2 o'clock There will be a crowded house.