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 uses 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[E] 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
result. 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 the 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 systematized truth, and in the
beautiful conception of our noble Agassiz--"_it tells the thoughts of
God_."
* * * * *
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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