ficiency would undoubtedly have been made in these, || and erroneous systems were adopted, but with some had not the philosophers of that age been "smitten new errors, the most ridiculous and absurd, ingrafted with the delirium of alchemy." upon them. To the immortal Linnæus belongs the The stone by which it was supposed all the baser honor of systemizing this interesting and useful scimetals might be changed into gold and silver, the elix-ence upon correct principles. By extensive observaer of life, that was expected to put an end to the rava- tion he made himself familiar with a great variety of ges of the fell destroyer, the alcahest, or universal sol- plants. He marked with striking precision their charvent, and some other things equally imaginary, were ||acteristical differences, and with equal accuracy defor several centuries the only objects of their research. But the delusions of alchemy were by no means confined to Egypt. They diffused themselves throughout almost the entire civilized world; and, in some form, continued to retard the progress of science as late as the sixteenth century. It is true, several important discoveries were made by the alchemists; but by them these were never turned to good account. In pursuit of a phantasm, they overlooked all realities. Notwith

fined their organs. In short, under his hands the science of botany became entirely remodeled; and although improvements and additions have been made to his work in subsequent times, it still remains one of the many and enduring monuments upon which he left the impress of his own great mind.

ZOOLOGY.

In the general outlines of zoology the ancients were

standing, therefore, some of the facts accumulated by probably better versed than in any of the natural sci

them have been advantageously employed in modern times, still their occult science will for ever stand a monument of human weakness and folly.

Those who first applied the principles of chemistry to a useful purpose, confined their labors almost exclusively to pharmacy. Becher greatly extended the limits of the science by showing its connection with the various phenomena of nature. Stahl deduced general principles from facts which had been previously collected. Still, it was not until about the middle of the last century, when Rouelle made known the great utility of chemistry, that it became generally studied. From that time to the present, this branch of science has numbered among its cultivators some of the first minds of Europe and in this country; and probably none has been more extensively useful in promoting

the arts of civilized life.

BOTANY.

ences. Indeed, it is thought by a late writer that the work of Aristotle entitled, "On the History of Animals," exhibits almost as clearly the true principles of classification as the great work of Cuvier upon the of all other ancient writers upon the same subject, same subject; still, in the details, his work, like those abounds with egregious errors.

GEOLOGY.

This is comparatively a modern science; though many important observations must have been made at a very early period. The first cultivators of geology, leaving the proper subject of investigation, wasted their energies in vainly attempting to account for the origin of the earth, and to explain the mode of its formation. Their attempts to answer the question, "How of cosmogony. But after all their speculations, some was the world made?" gave rise to the various systems of which exhibited no small ingenuity, though others were extravagantly absurd, the question remained, by Botany also came in for its share of attention among them, unanswered. The single declaration, that "in the nations of antiquity. The first writings upon this the beginning God created the heavens and the earth," subject, of which we have any account, are those of demolishes all their theories, and affords the only conSolomon. It is said that in a treatise which he wrote sistent answer to the question with which they started. upon natural history, "he spoke of trees, from the ceIn modern times philosophers had been but little dar tree that grows in Lebanon, even unto the hyssop more successful, before the commencement of the presthat springeth out of the wall." Some of the early ent century. Such was the rage for theories, that facts Greek philosophers also gave some attention to the were almost entirely disregarded, or a single fact was study of plants. But little valuable information, how-seized, and upon that a theory was constructed which ever, seems to have been collected until about three was to account for all geological phenomena. If othhundred years before Christ. At this time Theo-er facts, forcing themselves upon them, seemed at variphrastus published his "History of Plants," in which ance with their favorite theories, geologists, instead of he "treats of the origin, propagation, anatomy, and accommodating their theories to the facts, attempted to construction-of vegetable life and vegetation." This reverse the order of procedure. But nature bows not work opens the proper historic era of botany as a sci-thus obsequiously to the caprice of man; and while her ence, although the views of Theophrastus were in professed expounders were waging a ceaseless war of many respects very erroneous. Pliny, the elder, devo-words, each defending his "baseless fabric" with all that ted fifteen books of his "History of the World" to this acrimony and violence which error is wont to summon subject. But consisting as his works did of an indis-to its aid, she still remained unchanged and unmoved. criminate collection of truth and error, they contributed but little to the advancement of science.

From this time until the revival of letters, botany was doomed to share the common fate of almost every department of learning. When first revived, the old

2

Towards the close of the last century, most geologists had arranged themselves into two parties, generally known as the Vulcanists and Neptunists, with Hutton at the head of the former and Werner at the head of the latter. At length some began to feel, not

FEMALE EDUCATION.

so much the force of the arguments of the contending || false curls and artificial flowers; hold a silly conversaparties as of the common adage, that "facts are stub- tion on nothing; leer and look languishing; and-act born things." These, renouncing all theories diligent- the fool? ly devoted themselves to observation, and in a short time had collected a great number of valuable data. In 1807 the Geological Society of London was formed upon the same principle. A new era in geology had now commenced; and from that up to the present time, its progress, considering the difficulties with which it has had to contend, has been probably unparalleled in the history of science.

FEMALE EDUCATION.

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Can it be supposed, for a moment, that such an education, can so operate on her mind, as to make her forget her appropriate duties; make her hate her husband; will she cease to love her child and forget the duties which she owes to her God and her neighbor? "Credat Judæus Appella-non ego." But if learning, even profound learning, can blot out connubial love and maternal affection, can ignorance give its Cimmerian votary, order, method, prudence, discretion, indus

that following up our plan of education to its end, would not occupy as much time, nor cost as much money as are now expended on acquiring the showy, frivolous and foolish education now in vogue. The present fashionable education, can, at best, only render happy its possessor for a few short years, which are happy enough, generally, without it. It then vanishes, and disappears for ever; whereas, our system affords an education that lasts for ever. At the very most, the first lasts until the female is married, whereas, the oth-try, frugality, love, affection, and all the domestic virer endures for ever.

tues? It is a common maxim, "that we cannot have too much of a good thing;" but if ignorance among women, is a good thing, we certainly have quite too much of it, at present. And, finally, as to this objection to learning and consequent love of ignorance, can the latter make a good, kind, benevolent, industrious, intelligent, and faithful wife; a fond, affectionate and faithful mother? We hold the very reverse of such an opinion. As it now too often happens, that women of forty know, actually, less than many a boy only twelve years old! Even the lovers of ignorance in women, will hardly dare to argue in favor of such a disparity of knowledge between the former and the latter. For the consolation, however, of men, who fear that our system of female education will soon become so perfect that they cannot find ignorant women enough for wives and companions for them, we can assure them, that do all we can to educate them, yet there will always be ignorant women enough for all such men. We hope this idea will console them. To another class of men, we say, consider, for a moment, the solitary state, in which women are placed-the illtreatment which they sometimes receive, and which they are compelled to bear in silence, without the power of complaining, and these men will be compelled to acknowledge that the happiness of such women must be drawn from their own minds. In such a case, who will be the happiest? the well read and well educated, or the ignorant women?

The early education of the daughter, ought to be more thorough, deeper, clearer, sounder, more extensive and better than the education of the son; because the daughter, early in life, becomes a wife and a mother; retires from the world, to her own peculiar empire-her home. The son, if not thoroughly educated for his calling, at first, is compelled by circumstances, by the world, all around him-by rivals in business by his own shame and emulation, to educate himself. Indeed, he is always learning something, either by good or bad luck, useful for him to know. It is not so with the daughter who must learn in early life or never learn. Be a woman ever so wealthy in this country, she must know how to cook her food, to wash and iron her clothes and those of her family; to nurse her children and teach her daughters to do the same. If she have servants they may be ignorant, lazy, and worthless; and there may be times when no servants can be procured. She may be too poor to hire servants. So that every house-keeper must know all these arts of house-keeping. But it is often objected, "that a sound, substantial education makes women pedantic, and disagreeable companions." Were that the case, we say, then make female education comWe never boast of having any thing which is common to all around us Who ever boasted that he had two eyes, two arms, or ten toes? Although we admitted the validity of this objection, for the purpose of showing that it destroyed itself, yet we deny the Again, if pompous men, who fear women as their assertion altogether as applying more, or even as much rivals in knowledge, prefer ignorant women, yet men to women as to men of learning, who are sometimes of liberal minds and true politeness, prefer, enthusiasquite rough and rustic, if not pedantic in their man- tically prefer, a learned woman as their wife, companners. The farmer, the mechanic, and even the horse-ion and friend, and for the mother of their children. jockey, have as much pedantry, in their way of showing it, as the lady or the man of learning. Nay, they have more of that commodity which we may call pedantry. Vanity and obtrusiveness of knowledge and skill, resemble the noise of shallow and small streams of water, which belongs not to large and deep ones which are silent and still. We take no notice of the crack and the flourish of a horse-jockey's whip, because he is beneath our notice, but if a learned woman or a learned man should be vain of her or his knowledge, we should notice and wonder at it, because it is so uncommon a sight for us to see. So this objection destroys itself, and proves the contrary of what it affirms. It is objected, "that good, sound, substantial knowledge in women prevents their attending to their domestic duties, of wife, mother and friend."

mon.

They prefer a wife, whose conversation is agreeable; who, forgetting herself, can strive to please them; can sympathize with them; soothe all their sorrows and render them happy. Such a woman can suggest a thousand amenities, and thereby fix her empire in the heart. She can render herself so agreeable and so necessary that she may rise in the domestic circle, becoming its cement and its charm. Domestic life is her proper sphere, and it is there that she is most happy and most useful. Society, too, owes to her its balance and its tone. In the circle in which she moves she may correct what is wrong, moderate what is unruly, and restrain indecorum. She may prevent excess, check vice, and protect virtue. Domestic comfort is the chief source of her influence, and nothing tends so much to improve the character of men as domestic

12

FEMALE EDUCATION.

FEMALE FANATICS.

peace. Her smile can drive away and dissipate the || goodness, in the hearts of all around her; but whatcloud on her husband's brow, and gladden his heart. ever she attempts to do should be accompanied by huThe feudal system is gone for ever, so that to secure mility. This equally applies to both sexes. Jesus respect a woman must now effect that object by her himself has set the example and all must follow it. intrinsic qualities. For her real, intrinsic excellence, We should doubt the success of any one who attempther usefulness, and the happiness which she confers ed to use his or her influence without humility-withon her husband, her children and the domestic circle, out the lowliness and gentleness of the Savior. The she is now most highly appreciated. To be happy, subject is so vast, and our capacities are so limited that however, a woman must be pious. If religion be ne- assumption only shows our weakness, where we should cessary in common troubles, how shall she be able to strive to follow and learn of our great Teacher. pass through graver sorrows, from which she is by no means exempt? Nothing is more affecting than a woWhat can be more disgusting than to see women, man's chastened sorrow. Her ties may all be dissolved, sometimes, even very young women, arrogating to her fond hopes all withered, her affections blighted, yet themselves, not merely the right of private judgment, peace may dwell in her heart and heaven in her eye. but of dictation in matters of great conflicting, doubtSuch a woman, overwhelmed with deep sorrow, will ful questions of national importance? Do we not retire to her chamber, her closet, and go with her whole sometimes see them become the tools of some fanatic, heart to Him who has said, "Ye that are weary and some zealot, whose ever-varying opinions they blindly heavy laden, come to me, and I will give you rest." adopt and follow, in his erratic and eccentric orbit? It is in her silent chamber, she learns to look her sor-The religion of such women consists wholly of imrows in the face, encounter and subdue them; she thus becomes familiar with the features of her grief; she communes with affliction, as if it were a heavenly messenger sent down by her heavenly Father to warn her that this is not her better home, and that she should so pass through time as to prepare for her eternal home. By thus communing with her affliction, her own heart and her God, she learns to cast all her burdens of grief on that Almighty arm that can and will sustain her, lighten her load, and make it easy to bear. Religion is exactly what a woman needs. It is the best and almost the only elevating principle. It identifies itself with all the actions of her life, because all her actions flow from a heart that has become a pure fountain, into which the salt of divine grace has been cast. Religion gives a woman that dignity which best suits her dependence—a dignity of feeling, not of station. She may be morally great, though her station be a subordinate one. Religion, in woman, is never more lovely, nor more dignified and morally sublime, than when it causes her to wipe off the tear from the sufferer's brow; impart a martyr's courage to the humblest spirit; teach us, in the stillness of the sick chamber, to bow our heads in submission to the Author of our being, and endure our trials with Christian fortitude.

pulse and feeling. Their domestic duties are forgotten and neglected. They wander about from house to house, retailing the errors of the day; dealing out their favorite drugs and nostrums to weak and wayward Christians. They travel around, carrying with them specifics, which, if used, will produce the identical mental and moral diseases which they pretend to cure! In this way they may kindle, for a moment, a little blaze, but it is not a fire which originated in the sanctuary. The coals which kindled it came from the empyric's furnace, not from the altar. To such persons we would say, that fanaticism is not true religion. It is a noisome weed, not the Rose of Sharon. Fanaticism is ever bold and walks with long strides, unvailed, in the broad street; tells her tale aloud, and courts display. She runs to the rich and to the poor, to the learned and the ignorant, stirring up strife and party spirit.

How different is the modest and quiet mien of

TRUE RELIGION.

She shuns the crowd of idle gazers, and opens not the garrulous mouth of fame. Known by few, seen by few, she may be found in the retired village, the private circle, or solitary chamber; but wherever she is found, whether seated on a throne, or on a mole-hill; The greatest blessing attending female influence is whether dwelling in a lofty and splendid palace, or in the promotion of religious feeling. A religious woman a lowly and sordid shed; whether commanding an emmay, by gentle persuasion, enforce truth and cause re- pire, or sold in slavery; whether adorned with dialigion to be loved for her sake. By her example she monds, or clothed in rags; whether in prosperity or can best persuade others to love goodness. By wit-adversity, joy or sorrow, peace and purity dwell in her nessing its good effect on her, men may be brought to heart, heaven in her eye, and in all her actions dignity correctly appreciate its real value. How efficacious and love. has been such a silent appeal, when an open and direct One of the most important duties of a mother is due one would have failed! A woman may be so pious to- to her children. In infancy she is their best nurse, in wards her parents, so affectionate towards her husband, childhood and youth she is their best teacher. No so devoted to her children-she may so grace the family matter how many teachers the children may have, their and private circle that her religion is no longer condemn-mother cannot be dispensed with, because she is better ed even by the vilest of men. Many a pious son has than all others. She must teach the first lessons, and acknowledged, with tears of gratitude, what he owed so teach them that they will never be forgotten in after to his mother. Such a woman has witnesses of her life. She must give life and energy to the whole sys

THE EMPEROR'S BIRTH-DAY.