Though one may be informed of a Matter which in itself is really Fact, yet if an Absurdity should arise in the Narration, it would be laudable to enquire whether it is to be ascribed to the Relater or to the Thing told; but as there is nothing which, when true, can admit of any Absurdity, there is therefore the greater Right to be discontented with what is not easily understood; and it would even amount to a Crime to neglect taking Notice of such Accounts, especially if any Thing monstrous or improbable is blended with them. Shall we, for Example, sit down with some Authors, and say, that _Hares_[2] are always of both Sexes; that the _Rhinoceros_[3] is always Male; that the _Vulture_[4] is always Female; that of all Animals[5], Goats, Sheep, Horses, Men, and Hares, are most liable to become Hermaphrodites? and shall we go on to copy or quote them in a Strain of Approbation? no; rather let us examine them thoroughly, lest by assenting to any Part of them, that does not square with Nature and Reason, we shall find our Judgments very deservedly arraigned, and the sagacious Part of the World much displeased. The constant Application of some great Men, (with whom this Island formerly has been, and is, at present, blessed) to the Study of Physical Affairs, is a glorious Example to encourage all younger Students to imitate their Steps, in the Pursuit of natural Knowledge, and, consequently, the publick Good, according to the different Turns of Mind, and those Studies that most delight them. Would such attain to a true Notion of the Animal Structure? let the Labours and Example of those great Anatomists _Douglas_[6], _Cheselden_[7], _Nichols_[8], and _Nesbit_[9], be their Guides. Would their Curiosity expand itself in the general Field of Natural History? Sir _Hans Sloane_ shews of this to form inimitable Scenes. Or would they endeavour to bring Physiological Learning into a clear Light by Dint of mechanical Reasoning, the celebrated _Mead_[10] and learned _Stuart_[11], with many others of our most honourable College, point out the way: would they, in fine, dive into mathematical Streams, the certain Directors to Truth, how many Examples of this Sort, as well as of those already mentioned, can our _Royal Society_, the most famous in the learned World, produce. All these are the Stars directing to the Haven of Science here, whom, if observed with Attention, it is no wonder if their Followers emulate to overturn Errors, and undeceive the Crowd that is hurried along through Mazes and Labyrinths of Misrepresentations, to hunt out the Truth, which is often very intricately environed round with dark Veils of Ignorance or Superstition.