CHAP. II

Summary

(238.) The facts detailed in the last chapter being admitted, because they are notoriously undeniable, we come then to the following questions: — 1. Is such a state of things peculiar to England, or common to other nations? 2. Does abstract science, more particularly zoology, stand in need of any peculiar or national encouragement? and, 3. What are the causes which operate to its neglect? By discussing these questions impartially and dispassionately, we shall then be prepared to form a sound opinion, whether science, among us, is in a healthy state; and whether, in truth, it is advancing, quiescent, or retrograding. On a subject in every way so important and interesting, we have much fear, after the able manner in which it has already been treated, of not doing justice to the cause we advocate. But the general sense of any body of men can only be gathered from the expression of individual opinions; and although some of these will be more eloquent, and the reasons assigned more convincing, than others; yet, if they advocate the same general principles, and concur in the same sentiments, the reiterations of the weaker will give confirmation to the arguments of the more powerful advocate; and if several of these, taking up different departments of science, — each in their own walk, — arrive by different inferences at the same conclusions, we may safely believe that there is much of truth in the result.