Year: 1859

views OF Professor Henry, of the Smithso-
nian Institution, on special researches and So
cieties for the promotion of knowledge:


The field OF nature is so extended that up-
less 1t be minutely subdivided, and its several
parts cultivated by different persons, little pro-
gress OF definite character can be anticipated
10 collect the materials for wider generaliEa-
lions, microscopic research is necessary 10 every
direction, and men enthusiastically devoted to
one object arc required in every branch of
knowledge in order that the whole may be per-
fected. IT is true, before entoring on an inves-
tigation Of this kind, that it is desirable for
the individual to have a general knowledge of
the different branches of science, since they are
all intimately connected and the student can
then narrow bis field Of view until it comes
within the scope Of his mental abilities, or the
means which he may have at his disposal for
Its advancement. As general rule, however,
the ability to enlarge the bounds of science can
only be obtained by almost exclusive devotion
to few branches


1t Is scarcely possible to estimate too high
ly, IN reference to the happiness of the individ-
uai As well rs the promotion of knowledge, the
choice In early lite of some subject to which
tue thoughts can be habitually turned during
moments OF leisure, and TO which the obserya-
tipn may be directed during periods Of recrea-
tion, relative to which facts may be CLEANED
from casual reading, and during journeys of
business or pleasure. 1t is we'll that every one
should have somo favorite subject of which he
has more minute knowledge than any of his
neighbOrs. 1t is well that he should know
some one thing profoundly, in order that he
may estimate by it his deficiencies in others.


In tins connection it may be proper to re-
mark that the association of individuals in the
same community, each with a special and IA
vorite pursuit, each encouraging the others,
each deferring to the others, and each n au
n aa.If,


zation alike valuable to the individual, the
community, and the public generally. To in
duce and encourage the establishment of such
associations is one of the objects of the Institu
ton. 1t Is surprising what interest NAV be
awaked, what amount of latent talents de-
Veioped, and what dignity impaired to the
pursuits of EeighborhoOd by a society in
which the knowledge of each becomes common
property, and the labOrs Of each one are stimu-
lated by the appreciation and applause of his
fellows.


am acquainted with no plan of adult edu.
cation better calculated to elevate the mental
character Of a community or to deyelop the
local natural history of a district than that of
well organized and efficiently conducted as
ISOLATION Of this kind


Such establishments, 1 am happy to say,
are now becoming common in every pant of the
United States They have taken the place, in
many cases OF the debating societies which
were formerly instituted for mental improve
ment. To the latter it might Justly be object
ed that they tend to promote talent of sophis-
teal reasoning rather than to engender an
Incorporating love of truth The habit of
fluent speaking may undoubtedly be culti-
vated ut the expense Of profound thought, and
however promotive at times of the temporary
interests of the individual, can never be sup.
posed to tend to the permanent advancement
Of the species