Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1870-01-20
Our Boston Letter.
Boston, Jan. 10, 1870

BOSTON, Jan. 10, 1870.
Editor Of Rutsa'ad Herald Among the
permanent institutions of Boston may be
found that of the Lowell Institute"
About twenty-five years since, very
large sum of money was donated by Mr..
John Lowell, of this city, to the founding
and support of free institute, in which
boys under age and of good character and
manifesting decidd2l tastes or ability,
might be taught drawing of various kinds,
free of expense; and for the support of
several series of lectures during the win-
ter season, of each year, upon some of the
sciences, art and literature. In science
the range includes all the physical, moral,
religious and political sciences. The nuns
iect, is generally twelve, occurring on two
ever ings of each week. When these leo
lures were first instituted, there was
i generally but one course going on at once ;
but in late years it has been extended to
three, so that three different subjects, by
az many men, may be presented ON alter
nate evenings of each week. These lee
lures are free to all adult persons tickets
for the course being given to those who
first apply. at
The first scientific III, y in this country.
and Canada, have lectured here. The
| late BENZ. Silliman Of New Haven, had
the honor of delivering the first lee
! ture--on chemistry this institu-
ton. The remuneration is quite liberal,
being one hundred dollars and upwards
for each lecture. ...~ ....s..# -a-4s
These lectures are for the public, and
must be plain enough to be comprehended
by people spending their time in business
pursuits. But these lectures have rarely
been superficial, and are almost always
drawn from the most advanced stage OF
the particular science or branches of it,
of art presented. And on account of the
number of lectures in course. the lectu.
Ter has an opportunity to deaf with prin.
ciples the most hidden aad facts most un.
familiar, to tbs satisfaction OF the audi
enees
There is so much enthusiasm and some
times rivalry among those who make
science their profession, there being
schools and parties, and such rapid stride,
are now made in physical science. and
applied science orart, that now every lee
| INV t,Ke Tod To
in fact, aud even in theory, which is crit
ically examined by individuals opposing
You can resdily imagine what division
of sentiment or opinion may be created By
a course of lectures upon natural religion
or moral or political science. A conrs
upon New England history two years ag,
created considerable comment by tn
press Naturalistsare divided now int
Darwin and anh-Darwinists, or thos
who believe in special creation aud thos
! in development.
u Geology was represented three year
ago by Mr.. Sterry Hunt Of Canada, an,
Prof. Agassiz--they of opposing schools
1t must not be understood that thsee dill
; ferences. though sometimes radical, ar
paraded here for the purpose Of conten
ton. The great mass Of facts are ae
7 cepted alike BY all those who differ some
3 what in some theories held as expl2inin
= them ~
!. Harvard College and the public in thi
i vicinity have furnished the largest POI
! ton Of the lecturers Of late years. Val
d and other prominent colleges in the cour