When Columbus advanced the theory of a western continent, he was ridiculed, persecuted, and contemned, by nearly all the literati of Europe. It was an idea which had never before entered their minds. But, notwithstanding all their opposition and ridicule, the correctness of his "visionary theory," as they were pleased to call it, was demonstrated by the actual discovery of this vast continent, which is now sustaining millions of the very happiest of the human race. Many of the important discoveries of the immortal Newton, at the time they were first promulgated to the world, were denounced as the splendid visions of a madman; but, subsequent ages have done him justice. Much as we may feel ourselves elated on account of the new lights which have since been shed upon us, by the further progress and developement of science; yet, when I reflect on the unkind treatment which Captain Symmes and his new theory have received in our own day, I cannot help fearing that we are still, in some degree, under the influence of the same feelings and prejudices which brought the earlier philosophers to the torture, and the prison. This theory differs much less from the one now commonly received, than the doctrines of those philosophers differed from the prejudices of the multitude, in an age when every one believed the earth to be as flat as a table; and, consequently, it is but a small innovation in comparison to what the theory of Pythagoras and Copernicus must have appeared to be in their day; yet Captain Symmes has been constantly, and almost every where, represented as a visionary and dangerous innovator, and his alleged discovery ridiculed as the silly dream of a deranged imagination. But let us not turn our backs and give a deaf ear to him, or to the discoveries of any other man, merely because they are new, and in contravention of our previously received impressions. True it is, novelty is frequently dangerous and hurtful: but on the other hand, it is often necessary and useful. Without it we should still remain destitute of many of the greatest advantages we enjoy. Without the advancement of new principles, and speculative ideas, neither ourselves, nor any other people, could ever have emerged from a state of savage barbarity. Without it, what purpose could our reason serve, which, under proper regulations, and by a gradual progress, is capable of contributing so largely to the general good of society?