Publisher's Synopsis
Excerpt from Natural Philosophy, Vol. 1: Objects, Advantages, and Pleasures of Science, Mechanics, Hydrostatics, Hydraulics, Pneumatics, Heat, Optics, Double Refraction and Polarisation of Light
The practical uses of any science or branch of knowledge are undoubtedly of the highest importance; and there is hardly any man who may not gain some positive advantage in his worldly wealth and comforts, by increasing his stock of information. But there is also a pleasure in seci the uses to which knowledge may be applied, wholly Independent of t e share we'ourselves may have in those practical benefits. It is pleasing to examine the nature of a new instrument, or the habits of an unknown animal, Without considering whether they may be of use to ourselves or to any body. It is another gratification to extend our inquiries, ahd find that the instrument or animal is use ful to man, even although we have no chance ourselves Of ever bene fiting by the information 3 as, to find that the natives of some distant country employ the animal in travelling - nay, though we have no desire of benefiting by the knowledge; as, for example, to find that the instrument is usefiil in performing some dangerous surgical Operation. The mere gratification of curiosity the knowing more to-day than we knew yesterday; the understanding what before seemed Obscure and puzzling; the contemplation of general truths, and the together of different things, -is an agreeable occupation of and, beside the present enjoyment, elevates the faculties pursuits, purifies and refines the passions, and helps our reason to assuage their violence.
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