A century of science in America : $b with special reference to the American Journal of Science, 1818-1918
History
A century of science in America : $b with special reference to the American Journal of Science, 1818-1918
American journal of science; Science -- United States -- History
It must not be forgotten that the American Association of Geologists
and Naturalists—composed of individuals assembled from widely separate
portions of the Union—by the seven sessions which it has held, and by
its rich volume of reports, has produced a concentration and harmony
of effort which promise happy results, especially as, like the British
Association, it visits different towns and cities in its annual
progress.
Astronomy now lifts its exploring tubes from the observatories of many
of our institutions. Even the Ohio, which within the memory of the
oldest living men, rolled along its dark waters through interminable
forests, or received the stains of blood from deadly Indian warfare,
now beholds on one of its most beautiful hills, and near its splendid
city, a permanent observatory with a noble telescope sweeping the
heavens, by the hand of a zealous and gifted observer. At Washington
also, under the powerful patronage of the general government, an
excellent observatory has been established, and is furnished with
superior instruments, under the direction of a vigilant and well
instructed astronomer—seconded by able and zealous assistants.
Here also (in Yale College) successful observations have been made
with good instruments, although no permanent building has been erected
for an Observatory.
We only give single examples by way of illustration, for the history
of the progress of science in the United States, and of institutions
for its promotion, during the present generation, would demand a
volume. It is enough for our purpose that science is understood and
valued, and the right methods of prosecuting it are known, and the
time is at hand when its moral and intellectual use will be as obvious
as its physical applications. Nor is it to be forgotten that we have
awakened an European interest in our researches: general science has
been illustrated by treasures of facts drawn from this country, and
our discoveries are eagerly sought for and published abroad.
While with our co-workers in many parts of our broad land, we rejoice
in this auspicious change, we are far from arrogating it to ourselves.
Multiplied labors of many hands have produced the great results. In
the place which we have occupied, we have persevered despite of all
discouragements, and may, with our numerous coadjutors, claim some
share in the honors of the day. We do not say that our work might not
have been better done—but we may declare with truth that we have done
all in our power, and it is something to have excited many others to
effort and to have chronicled their deeds in our annals. Let those
that follow us labor with like zeal and perseverance, and the good
cause will continue to advance and prosper. It is the cause of
truth—science is only embodied and sympathized truth and in the
beautiful conception of our noble Agassiz—“it tells the thought of
God.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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