On the improvement of society by the diffusion of knowledge

Preface

The plan and outlines of the following work were sketched, and a considerable portion of it composed, about eighteen years ago. It was advertised, as preparing for the press, in 1823, when the author published the first edition of" The Christian Philosopher ;" but various other engagements prevented its appearance at that period. The Introduction and the two first Sections were published in a respectable Quarterly Journal, in the year 1816 ; but they are now considerably modified and enlarged. This circumstance will account for the date of some of the illustrative facts to which reference is made in the first part of the volume, and -in several portions of the Appendix.

Had the present work been published at any of the periods now referred to, the subject it discusses, and some of the illustrations, would have presented a more novel aspect than they can lay claim to at the present time, when the Diffusion of Knowledge has become an object of general attention. The author, however, is not aware, that any work embracing so full an illustration of the same topics has yet made its appearance ; and is, therefore, disposed to indulge the hope, that, in conjunction with the present movements of society, it may, in some degree, tend to stimulate those exertions which are now making for the melioration and mental improvement of mankind. Independently of the general bearing of the facts and illustrations on the several topics they are intended to elucidate, the author trusts that not a few fragments of useful knowledge will be found incorporated in the following pages, calculated to entertain and instruct the general reader.

In the numerous illustrations brought forward in this volume, it was found impossible altogether to avoid a recurrence to certain facts which the author had partially adverted to in some of his

IV PREFACE.

former publications — without interrupting the train of thought, and rendering his illustrations partial and incomplete. But, where the same facts are introduced, they are generally brought forward to elucidate a different topic. Any statements or descriptions of this kind, however, which may have the appearance of repetition, could all be comprised within the compass of three or four pages.

The general subject of the present work will be prosecuted in another volume, to be entitled " The Mental Illumination of Mankind ; or an inquiry into the Means by which a general diffusion of knowledge may be promoted." This work will embrace — along with a great variety of other topics — an examination of the present system of education, showing its futility and inefficiency, and illustrating the principles and details of an efficient intellectual system, capable of universal application ; together with a variety of suggestions in relation to the physical, moraj, and intellectual improvement of society.

To his numerous correspondents who have been inquiring after the work, " T7ie Scenery of the Heavens displayed, with the view of illustrating the doctrine of a Plurality of Worlds" which was announced at page 285 of the " Philosophy of a Future State," — the author begs respectfully to state, that, if health permit, he intends to proceed, without delay, to the completion of that work, as soon as the volume announced above is ready for the press. It will form a volume of considerable size, and will be illustrated with a great number of engravings, many of which will be original.

Contents

Introduction — Retrospective view of the state of mankind — ignorance of the dark ages — revival of learning at the Reformation, 11 — 14. Present intellectual state of the human race, 14. Causes which have retarded the progress of the human mind, 17. A more general diffusion of knowledge desirable, 19. Preludes which indicate the approach of the era of intelligence, 19.

Section I

INFLUENCE OF KNOWLEDGE IN DISSIPATING SUPERSTITIOUS NOTIONS AND VAIN FEARS, 21

Objects and circumstances which ignorance has arrayed with imaginary terrors — eclipses, comets, aurora borealis, &c. 22. Absurdity of astrology, 23. Belief attached to its doctrines, 24. Various prevalent superstitious opinions — omens — witches— spectres, &c. 25. Proof of such notions still prevailing, 27. Superstitions indulged by men of rank and learning, 28. Baneful tendency of superstition, 30 — leads to deeds of cruelty and injustice, 30. How knowledge would undermine superstition, and its usual accompaniments — illustrated at large, 31 — -34. Animadversion on Dr. S. Johnson, &c. 35.

Section II

ON THE UTILITY OF KNOWLEDGE IN PREVENTING DISEASES AND FATAL ACCIDENTS, 37

Accidents which have happened from ignorance of the properties of the different gases, and the means of preventing them, 37. Disasters which have happened in coal-mines, 39. Figure of Davy's Safety Lamp, with description and remarks, 42, Accidents caused by the stroke of lightning, 42. Precautions requisite to be attended to during thunder-storms, 43. .Accidents from ignorance of the principles of Mechanics, 44. Reasons of such accidents explained by a figure, 45. Fatal accidents caused from ignorance of the effects produced by the refraction of light — illustrated by figures and experiments, 46. Accidents from the clothes of females catching fire, and the means of prevention, 4S. Various diseases propagated from ignorance of their nature, 49. Pernicious effects of contaminated air, 50. Improper mode of treating children during infancy, and its fatal effects, 52. Importance of temperance, 53. General remarks, 54.

VI CONTENTS,

Section III

ON THE INFLUENCE WHICH A DIFFUSION OF KNOWLEDGE WOULD HAVE ON THE PROGRESS OF SCIENCE, 55

Science founded on facts, 56. Every person is endowed with faculties for observing tacts, 57. Anecdote of Sir I. Newton, 57. Extraordinary powers of intellect not necessary for making discoveries in science, 58. Ample field of investigation still remains, 59. Discoveries would be nearly in proportion to the number of observers, GO. Various illustrations of these positions. — Geology, its multifarious objects and disiderata, 62. Natural History, how it may be improved, and its range extended, 64. Meteorology, imperfection of our knowledge in regard to many of its objects, — thunder-storms, aurora borealis, meteoric stones, &c. 89. Astronomy, disiderata in reference to, which remain to be ascertained, 68. Illustration taken from Jupiter, with four different views of this planet, 70. Venus, mode by which the time of its rotation may be determined, 71 — illustrated by a figure, 72. Comets, fixed stars — Moon, plan by which our knowledge of the scenery of this globe may be extended, 73. Discoveries which have been made in the heavens by accident, 75. Prospects presented when knowledge shall be more generally diffused, 75. Chemistry, its objects, and the means of its improvements, 76. Futility of framing hypotheses — importance of observing facts — general remarks and reflections, 77 — 80.

Section IV. On The Pleasures Connected With The Pursuits Of Science, 81

Pleasures of sense and of intellect, 81. The enjoyments of the ignorant, and of the man of intelligence contrasted, and particularly illustrated, 82 — 87. Pleasure annexed to the gratification of the principle of curiosity, 88. Scientific facts illustrative of this subject — Number of effects produced by a single principle in nature, 88. Surprising resemblances in operations where we should least of all have expected them, 90. Grand and sublime objects which science presents before us, 91. Variety of novel and interesting objects it exhibits, 94. Illustrated from mechanics, hydrostatics, magnetism, optics, chemistry, &c. 95. Instruments connected with optics, 95. Figure of the Aerial Telescope, 96. Pleasure in tracing the steps by which discoveries have been made, and the experiments by which they are illustrated, 99 — 103. Beneficial tendency of scientific pursuits on the heart, and on social and domestic enjoyment — miscellaneous reflections and remarks, 103 — 109.

Section V

ON THE PRACTICAL INFLUENCE OF SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE, AND ITS TENDENCY TO PROMOTE THE COMFORTS OF GENERAL SOCIETY, 109

1. A knowledge of science would render mechanics, &c. more skilful in their respective employments — illustrated from the arts of dyeing, calico printing, bleaching, brewing, tanning, agriculture, &c. 109 — 112. Chemistry, ntially requisite to surgeon and apothecaries, 112. Utility of practical Geometry, illustrated by a diagram, 114 Utility of Mechanics, 1 1 5. Of Hydrostatics and Hydraulics, illustrated with various figures, 117.

CONTENTS. Vii

Hydrostatical paradox, mode of conveying water, hydrostatical press, perpendicular pressure of water, and the accidents it may occasion, 119. Application of these facts to engineering and hydraulic operations, 123. Disaster occasioned by want of attention to hydrostatic principles, 124. Practical utility of Pneumatics — anecdote illustrative of, 125. Mode of curing smoky chimneys, illustrated by figures, 128. Utility of an acquaintance with Optics, 129. Explanation of the nature of a telescope, and the mode of its construction, 130. Mode of constructing a compound microscope, with illustrative figures, 131. Burning lenses, Sir D. Brewster's Polyzonal Lens, reflecting concave mirrors for light-houses, &c. with illustrative figures, 134. Utility of Electricity and Galvanism, 135. Mode of directing lightning as a mechanical power, 136. Practical applications of Magnet ism, and late discoveries in — magnetized masks, &c. 138. Practical utility of Geology, 139. Utility of Natural History, 139. Application of steam — steam navigation — steam carriages, 140. Carburetted hydrogen gas, 141. Utility of science to day-labourers, house-keepers, kitchen-maids, &c. 142. Instances illustrative of the advantages of chemical knowledge, 144.

II. Scientific knowledge would pave the way for future inventions and improvt* merits in the arts. Circumstances which led to the invention and subsequent improvement of the telescope, with a figure of the first telescope, 145 — 6. Fraunhofer's telescope — Guinand's experiments on the composition of flint glass — Description of an achromatic object-glass, with a figure, &c. 146 — 7. Historical sketches of certain inventions — steam engine — mariner's compass — galvanic principle — pendulum clocks — watches — air-pump — spinning jennies — safety lamp, &c. 147. Few inventions owing to chance, 149. Cautions to be attended to in the construction and use of the safety lamp, 151. Mechanics have a greater chance of becoming inventors than mere philosophers, 220. Prospects of improvement in future ages, 1 52.

III. The external comforts of mankind promoted by intelligence and improvements in the arts, 154. Contrast between the past and present aspect of the social state, 155. Wretched accommodations which still exist among the lower classes, 155. Mental improvement would lead to diligence and economy to cleanliness in person, clothes, and furniture — to tasteful decorations ot houses and garden-plots — improvements in foot-paths, narrow lanes, villages, &c 156—160.

Section VI

ON THE INFLUENCE OF KNOWLEDGE IN PROMOTING EN- LARGED CONCEPTIONS OF THE CHARACTER AND PERFEC- TIONS OF THE DEITY, 160

Grovelling conceptions of the Deity both in heathen and Christian countries, 160. Just conceptions of the Divinity acquired from his external manifestions, 161. Ignorance exhibits distorted views of the Divine character, 163. •Attributes of the Deity which science illustrates: 1. The unity of God, 165. 2. Wisdom of the Deity — manifested in the various arrangements of sublunary nature, 166. Particular illustration, 167. 3. Benevolence of the Deity — manifested in the parts of the human frame, and in the surrounding elements — muscles of the eye (illustrated with figures) — gratification afforded to our different senses, 169 — 172. Remedies against the evils to which we are exposed, 172. Multitude of animated beings, and the ample provision made for them, 173. Calculations in relation to the number of certain species of birds, and the velocity with which the fly, 173. Number of species of plants eaten by different animals, 174. 4. Science exhibits a view of the multiplicity of conceptions which have been formed in the Divine

\ 111 CONTENTS.

mind, 175. Exemplified in the different construction and functions of the van. iea of animals. 176 — in the numerous parts which enter into

the construction (fan animal frame, 178. Lvonet's description of the numerous parts of the cos&us caterpillar, 179. Multiplicity or ideas married in tne Vegetable kingdom, ISO. Varieties in the Mineral kingdom, 181. Varieties in .Microscopical objects — scales of fishes, feathers of birds, wings of flies, leaves ami transverse sections of plants, &c. 183. Numbers and varieties of animaleuhe, 1S5. Immensity of nature, 189. Description oi' the engravings of microscopic objects, ISO — 193. Variety in the external aspect of nature — in the sun, planets, comets, and on the surface of the moon, 190 — 105. 5. Science expands our conceptions of the power of tht Deity, and of the magnificence of his empire, 195 — 198. Such views of Deity in unison with the dictates of Revelation, — and calculated to produce ma >ay beneficial effects on the understandings and affections of mankind, 199.

Section VII

ON THE BENEFICIAL EFFECTS OF KNOWLEDGE ON MORAL PRINCIPLE AND CONDUCT, 201

Introductory remarks — knowledge and moral action inseparably connected, 201. Ignorance one principal cause of immorality and crime, 202. Knowledge requisite for ascertaining the true principles of moral action, 204. It leads to inquiries into the reasons of moral laws and the foundations on which they rest, 205 — to self-examination and self-inspection, 207 — and to a comprehensive view of the bearings and consequences of moral actions, 209. Miscellaneous remarks, and objections answered, 210 — 212.

Section VIII. On The Utility Of Knowledge In Relation To A Future World, 213

Man destined to an eternal state, 213. Knowledge will be carried along with us into that state, 213. Scientific knowledge has a relation to a future world, 214. Evidences of a future state, 216. Causes of the indifference which prevails on this subject, 217. Knowledge prepares ihe mind for the employments of the future world, 21 S. Impossibility of enjoying happiness in that world without knowledge and moral principle, 219 — 221. General remarks, 22^.

Section IX

uN THE UTILITY OK GENERAL KNOWLEDGE IN REFERENCE TO THE STUDTOP DIVINE REVELATION, 223

unary remarks, 223. Summary of the external evidences of Christianity, 224. Evidence from J, 226. Resurrection of Christ, 227. Evi-

IV dictions in relation to Babylon, the Arabs,

...'. Internal evidences, 232. Dignity and sublimity of the

ibit the most rational and sublime views of the Deity,

233 — give full assurance of a state of immortality, 234 — point out the way

in which pardon maybe obtained, 234 — inculcate the purest and mostcom-

tem of morality, 235 — 245 — explain certain moral pheno-

CONTENTS. IX

mena, 238 — communicate a knowledge of interesting facts and doctrines, 239. Beneficial effects which Christianity has produced in the world, 240 — is adapted to every country, 244. Harmony of Science and Revelation,. &c 244. Christianity of the Bible, 246. Evidences of Revelation continually increasing, 247. Reason for giving the preceding summary of these evidences, 248. General knowledge enables us to understand the meaning and references of the Sacred Writings, 249. Figures used in the prophetical writings, 249. Heathen mythology illustrative of Scripture-history, 251. Manners and customs of eastern nations, 253. Utility of ancient geography, 254. Natural history and science illustrative of Scripture, 255. Evaporation — rivers — ocean — storms — animated beings — human body — the heavens — plurality of worlds, 257 — 261. Advantages which would result from an intelligent study of the Scriptures, 262. Folly of infidelity, &c. 264.

Section X. Miscellaneous Advantages Of Kngwledge Briefly Stated, 265

I. Knowledge would lead to just estimates of human character and enjoyment — various remarks on this topic, 265 — 268. II. The acquisition of general information would enable persons to profit by their attendance on public instmctions, 268. Scientific lectures — instructions from the pulpit — limited nature of these instructions in consequence of the ignorance of mankind — prospects presented when knowledge is increased, 269 — 273. III. Knowledge would introduce a spirit of tolerance, and prevent persecution for conscience'* sake, 273. Persecutions which have prevailed, and still prevail, 274. Absurdity of persecution — general remarks, &c. 275. IV. Knowledge would vanquish the antipathies of nations, and produce harmony among mankind, 27 7. Miseries and devastations of war — jealousies and hostilities of nations, 278. — arguments and efforts which enlightened minds would employ for counteracting them, 280. Advantages which would result from the union of mankind, 282. Practicability of effecting it, 284. V. A general diffusion of knowledge would promote the union of the Christian church, 286. Number of sectaries — slight differences of opinion between them, 287. Evils which have flowed from sectarianism — promotes infidelity — retards the progress of Christianity, &c. 288. Folly of attaching an undue importance to sectarian opinions, 289. Remedies for the divisions of the church, 290. Liberality and bigotry contrasted, 291. Character of violent party-partizans, 293. Auspicious effects which would flow from Christian union, 294. Present circumstances favourable to union, 296. Concessions which behooved to be made bv all parties, — preparative measure to union, 297 — concluding remark, 298.

Section XI. On The Importance Of Connecting Science With Reli- Gion, 295

Increase of knowledge, of late years, 299. Tendency to irreligion in certain scientific inquirers, and the circumstances which have produced it, 300. Religion and science connected — irrationality and inconsistency of attempting to dissever them, 301. Christian religion overlooked, 303. Supreme importance of Christianity, 303. Effects of a complete separation of science and religion, 305. Tendency of our present modes of education, 306. Illustrated from the scenes exhibited during the French Revolution, 307. De-

CONTENTS.

moralization produced by the principled of the Continental Philosophists, 308. Persecuting spirit of French infidels and skeptics, 309. Science without religion produc s few moral effects, 310. Subversion of morality in Prance, a beacon to guard us from similar dangers, 311. Extract from Kcv. D. young, 311. Nature of the proposed connexion between science and religion, 312. Attributes of the Deity displayed in his works, 312. Authors who have illustrated this subject, with remarks on some of their writings, 313. Modern system of Physico-Theology, a desideratum, 316. New ton, Maclaurin, and Robison's sentiments on this subject, 316. Truths Revelation ought to be recognized in scientific instructions, 317. Squeamishness of certain philosophers in this respect, 318. Extract from Dr. Robison, 318. Harmony of Nature and Revelation, 319. Scientific instructions should produce a moral impression, 320. Prayer and recognition of the. Deity in philosophical associations, 320. Hypocrisy of skeptics, 321. Exemplified in the case of Buff on t 322. Topics, connected with religion, which might occasionally be discussed in scientific associations, 323. Immortality, its importance in a scientific point of view, 324. Skeptical philosophy insufficient to support the mind in the prospect of dissolution — exemplified in the case of Voltaire, Buffon, Gibbon, Hume, and Diderot, 326—329. Concluding reflections, 329, 330.

Appendix

No. I. Ignorance of the dark ages — scarcity and high price of books 331 No. II. Superstitious opinions respecting Comets and Eclipses — Description of a solar eclipse, and its effects on the inhabitants of Barbary 333—336

No. III. Absurdities of Astrology 336

No. IV. Proofs of the belief which is still attached to the doctrines of Astrology 338

V. Illustrations of some of the opinions and practices in relation to witchcraft _ 340

History of witchcraft — and the numbers that suffered for this supposed

No. VI. Proofs that the belief in witchcraft is still prevalent among

a rtain classes of society 345

Tales o. lion published by the Jesuits — Anecdote of Alexander

Dawidson, A.M. 348

.'wj. VII. Ci rices which have occasionally led to the belief of

tnd apparitions — Indistinct vision — Doses of opium — Drunk- - — Pear — Tricks of impostors — Ventriloquism — Witch of Endor — Phantasmagoria — Ghost of a Flea, &c. 350 — 363

No. YJU. Explosions of steam-engines — Accidents in America, on the Liverpool Railway, &c. with remarks, 365 — 369

which led to the invention of the Safety Lamp 372 No. X. ' .illy of the remarks and observations of Mechanics

and Manufaci u r 371

No. XI. Liberality of Religious Sectaries in America, contrasted with

372 II. On the Demoralizing effects of Infidel Philosophy in France, 377. ( rambling — ( loncubinage — Prostitution — Profanation of the — Danso-mmia — moral reflections — Consecration of the "Goddess of Reason" — Concluding remarks 378 — 386

ON THE

GENERAL DIFFUSION OF KNOWLEDGE,

^INTRODUCTION.

When we take a retrospective view of the state of mankind during the ages that are past, it presents, on the whole, a melancholy scene of intellectual darkness. Although in every age, men have possessed all the mental faculties they now or ever will enjoy, yet those noble powers seem either to have lain in a great measure dormant, or, when roused into action, to have been employed chiefly in malignant and destructive operations. Hence, the events which the page of history records chiefly present to our view the most revolting scenes of war, rapine, and devastation, as if the earth had been created merely to serve as a theatre for mischief, and its inhabitants for the purpose of dealing destruction and misery to all around them. Such, however, are the natural consequences of the reign of Ignorance over the human mind. For the active powers of man necessarily follow the dictates of his understanding, and w T hen the intellectual faculties are not directed to the pursuit and the contemplation of noble and benevolent objects, they will most frequently be employed in devising and executing schemes subversive of human happiness and improvement.

Amidst the darkness which, in ancient times, so long overspread the world, some rays of intellectual light appeared in Palestine, in Egypt, and in the Greek and Roman empires ; but its influence on the nations around was extremely feeble, and, like a few tapers in a dark night, served little more than to render the surrounding darkness visible. The light of science which then shone was, however, doomed to be speedily extinguished. About the fifth century of the Christian era, numerous hordes of barbarians from the northern and the eastern parts of Europe, and the north-western parts of Asia, overran the western part of the Roman empire, at that time the principal seat of knowledge ; and, in their progress, overturned and almost annihilated every monument of science and art which then existed. Wherever they marched, their route was marked with devastation and with blood. They made no distinction between what was sacred and what was profane — what wa3 barbarous and what was refined. Amidst the din of war, the burninn of cities, the desolation of provinces, the convulsion of nations, die ruin of empires, and the slaughter of millions, the voice of reason and of religion was scarcely heard $ science was abandoned ; useful knowledge was set at nought ; every benevolent feeling and every moral principle were trampled under foot. The earth seemed little else than one great held of battle; and its inhabitants, instead of cultivating the peaceful arts and sciences, and walking hand in hand to a blessed immortality, assumed the character of demons, and gave vent to the most fiend-like and ferocious passions, till they appeared almost <#i the brink of total extermination.

For nearly the space of a thousand years posterior to that period, and prior to the Reformation, a long night of ignorance overspread the nations of Europe, and the adjacent regions of Asia, during which, the progress of literature and science, of religion and morality, seems to have been almost at a stand ; scarcely a vestige remaining of the efforts of the human mind, during all that period, worthy of the attention or the imitation of succeeding ages. The debasing superstitions of the Romish church, the hoarding of relics the erection of monasteries and nunneries, the pilgrimages to the tombs of martyrs and other holy places, the mummeries which were introduced into the services of religion, the wild and romantic expeditions of crusaders, the tyranny and ambition of popes and princes and the wars and insurrections to which they gave rise, usurped the place of every rational pursuit, and completely enslaved the minds of men. So great was the ignorance which then prevailed, that persons of the most distinguished rank could neither read nor write. Even many of the clergy did not understand the Breviary, or book of common prayer, which they were daily accustomed to recite, and some of them could scarcely read it.* The records of past transactions were in a great measure lost, and legendary tales and fabulous histories, to celebrate exploits which were never performed, were substituted in place of the authenticated history of mankind. The learning which then prevailed, under the name of philosophy and of scholastic theology, consisted chiefly in vain disquisitions and rea-

* As an evidence of the extreme ignorance of tliose times, it may be stated, that many charters grant* d by persons of the highest rank are preserved, from which it appears that, they could not subscribe their name. It was usual for persons who could tot write, to make the s'<:rnof the cross, in confirmation of a charter. Several of these remain, where kings and persons of great eminence affix ngnwn cruris manu propria \ e literurum, " the sign of the cross

mado by our own hand, on account of our ignorance of letters." From this dreams! ince ifl d< rived the practice of making a -\- when signing a deed, in the f those who cannot subscribe their names. See Robertson's Charles V. and Jppnidix, No. 1.

scY?ngs about abstract truths, and incomprehensible mysteries, and in attempts to decide questions and points of theology, which lie beyond the reach of the human mind, and which its limited faculties are unable to resolve. Sophisms, falsehoods, and bold asseverations were held forth as demonstrations ; a pompous display of words was substituted in the place of things ; eloquence consisted in vague and futile declamations ; and true philosophy was lost amidst the mazes of wild and extravagant theories and metaphysical subtleties. The sciences, such as they were, were all taught in the Latin tongue, and all books in relation to them were written in that language ; the knowledge of them was therefore necessarily confined to the circle of the learned, and it would have been considered as a degradation of the subject, to have treated of it in any of the modern languages which then prevailed. The gates of the temple of knowledge were consequently shut against the great body of people, and it was never once surmised that they had any right to explore its treasures. " During this period," says Dr. Robertson, " the human mind neglected, uncultivated, and depressed, continued in the most profound ignorance. Europe, during four centuries, produced few authors who merit to be read, either on account of the elegance of their composition, or the justness and novelty of their sentiments. There are few inventions, useful or ornamental to society, of which that long period can boast." And, if those of the highest ranks, and in the most eminent stations in society, were so deficient in knowledge, the great mass of the people must have been vinV into a state of ignorance, degrading to human nature.

About the time of the revival of letters, after the dark ages of monkish superstition and ignorance, the moral and intellectual state of the inhabitants of Europe began to experience a change au« picious of better times and of a more enlightened sera. The diminution of the papal power and influence, the spirit of civil a*id religious liberty which then burst forth, the erection of new Seminaries of education, the discovery of the mariner's compass, the invention of the art of printing, the labours of Lord Bacon in pointing out the true method of philosophizing, and the subsequent discoveries of Galileo, Kepler, Boyle and Newton in the physical sciences, — gave a new and favourable impulse to the minds of men, and prepared the way for a more extensive communication of useful knowledge to persons of every rank. From this period knowledge began to be gradually diffused among most of the European nations ; but its progress was slow, and its influence was chiefly confined to the higher circles ;>f society and to persons connected with the learned professions, till after the middle of the eighteenth century. About this time there began 2 to issue from the press many popular works on Natural and Civil History] Geography. Astromonv and Experimental Philosophy, divested of the pedantry of former times, and of the technicalities of science, which, along with periodical works that were then beginning to extend their influence, conveyed to the minds of the mechanic and the artizan various fragments of useful knowledge. It was not, however, till the era of the French Revolution, that the stream of knowledge began to flow with an accelerated progress, an to shed its influence more extensively on the middling and the lower orders of society. Though we cannot look back, without feelings of regret and even of horror, at the revolting scenes of anarchy and bloodshed which accompanied that political convulsion, yet, amidst all its evils, it was productive of many important and beneficial results. It tended to undermine that system of superstition and tyranny by which most of the European nations had been so long enslaved ; it roused millions, from among the mass of the people, to assert those rights and privileges, to which they are entitled as rational beings, and which had been withheld from them by the strong hand of power ; it stimulated them to investigations into every department connected with the rights and the happiness of man, and it excited a spirit of inquiry into every subject of contemplation which can improve or adorn the human mind, which, we trust, will never be extinguished, till the light of useful knowledge shall extend its influence over all the inhabitants of the earth.

Striking, however, as the contrast is, between the state of knowledge in the present and in former ages, much still remains to be accomplished, till the great body of mankind be stimulated to the prosecution of intellectual acquirements. Though a considerable lion of rational information has of late years been disseminated tong a variety of individuals in different classes of society, among the great majority of the population in every country, •ee of ignorance still prevails, degrading to the rank of intellectual natures. With respect to the great mass of the inhabitants of the world, it may still be said with propriety, that " darkovers the earth, and gross darkness the people." The .iter part of the continent of America, the extensive plains Africa, the vast regions of Siberia, Tartary, Tibet, and the Turkish empire — the immense territories of New Holland, Sumatra, Borneo, and the Burman empire, the numerous islands which are scattered throughout thcTndian and the Pacific oceans, with many other exti naive regions inhabited by human beings — still lie within the confines of mental darkness. On the numerous a which people those imnu ose regions of our globe, neither tli' 4 light of science nor of Revelation has yet shed its benign influence ; and their minds, debased by superstition, idolatry, and every malignant passion, and enslaved by the cunning artifices of priests, and the tyranny of cruel despots, present a picture of human nature in its lowest stage of degradation. — Even in Europe, where the light of science has chiefly shone, how narrow is the circle which has been enlightened by its beams ! The lower orders of society on the continent, and even in Great Britain itself, notwithstanding the superior means of improvement they enjoy, are still miserably deficient in that degree of knowledge and information which every human being ought to possess ; nor are there many even in the higher spheres of life, who cultivate science for its own sake, who set a due value on intellectual acquisitions, or encourage the prosecution of rational inquiries.