:r F r :-■ *?vv % *° -ask. - /^j^\ *■* "ov* •rf. * < •w THE MARCH OF SCIENCE; IN WHICH ARE NOTICED THE 3M&S£r®8ttA& 3M&«&WTO3m£ AND &s25>s*5>aasj ©asaa^ Scienee has trimm'd her lamps that all may see, PHILADELPHIA: Published by Colon and Adriance, Arcade, Chesnut Street. Also, at the Beacon Office, No. 3 Franklin Square, New York. Printed and for Sale by H. Young, Corner of Passyunk Road and Shippen Street, Philadelphia, The advancement of the human irace from the savage to the civilized state has been slow and often interrupted. Nations that have advanced most in the career of human improvements in former times have been subdued by the more numerous hordes of barbarians: and the relics of an- tiquity of nations now no more, but who once were far ad- vanced in civilized life, remain to give a melancholy inte- rest to those who study the works of departed ages. Prejudice and superstition have been the great barriers to the advancement of knowledge among the people. In every age of man's existence a certain portion of the human race have found that they could gain the support and admiration of their fellow-beings by practising deception on the less crafty but more credulous portion of their own tribe, clan or nation. Ignorant of the laws and operations of nature themselves, they have been successful in making others be- lieve that the strange phenomena in the material world were brought about by good or evil spirits who inhabit the regions of space. By the practice of jugglery and sleight-of-hand, and by using particular agents to produce strange results, alike mysterious with the uninformed, they acquired such celebrity and ascendency over the ignorant as to be readily believed when they pretended that they had received special messages from supernatural beings, and were appointed as the agents of their will. Hence arose the different orders of magicians, soothsayers and priests. These often found it necessary to clothe their deities with vengeance, wrath and fury that they might the more easily excite fear and terror in the minds of the people who might employ and compensate them for their intercessions with the offended deities. Those who have pretended to act as mediators be- tween mortal man and the immortal gods have ever found it to their interest to perpetuate the reign of ignorance and to repress the light of science. People filled with supersti- tious terror in the contemplation of imaginary beings are 4 INTRODUCTION. not likely to have very correct opinions of the strange oc- currences that pertain to the material world. The poets and other authors of sacred romance, whose prolific imaginations furnished numerous divinities for the ancient Greeks and Romans, made religious devotion a sort of stimulus to arts, science and literature. By having particular gods presiding over each department of useful knowledge, and each individual being left free to follow the inclination of his own genius, a devotion to the sciences was considered a laudable pursuit, and not unfavourable to the fashionable superstition of the times, called religion. These and some other nations, notwithstanding many bar- barous customs common amongst them, made rapid advances in education and the social refinements of life, till invaded by hordes of barbarians, and their religion suppressed by a sanguinary potentate to give place to another, which, em- bracing many of the Pagan forms and ceremonies, contained doctrines and dogmas of the most cruel, persecuting and Vindictive character, and required its devotees to renounce human reason, suppress free enquiry, reject the evidence <5f their senses, and bow in humble submission to the man- dates of an infallible church. Then commenced the long aftd dreary night of mental darkness, known as the dark ages. During this long period of about seven centuries of ecclesiastical supremacy, tyranny, persecution, holiness and horror, while the attention of all the people was direct- ed td invisible worlds, there were but few improvements tolerated for the benefit of this. Science was arrested in its progress, and those who sought to enlighten their fellow beings were burnt alive for pretended heresy, and men with feeling hearts and liberal minds could only moisten their ashes with their tears, in secret and in silence. Then could myriads of ignorant fanatics view, with pious exultation, the victims of priestly perfidy, arrayed in the drapery of death and about to perish in the flames. But little improvements in the arts and sciences could have been expected when the power vested in the sovereign Pontiff was such that one drop of ink in his pen was suffi- cient to depose kings, and to summon the faithful to the holy work of exterminating those who were deemed guilty of the terrible crime of non-conformity to the established church, a church reared amidst the blood and tears of suf- fering humanity, and sustained by imposition on human INTRODUCTION. credulity. Another religion having usurped the sovereignty over the very birth-place of Christianity gave rise to long and bloody war9 between the devotees of two rival systems, the one marshalling its forces under the banner of the Cross, and the other under that of the Crescent. But after centu- ries of slaughter, havoc and devastation, in which the no- blest productions of human genius were destroyed, the seeds of literature and science sown by the pagan philosophers of Greece and Rome began to germinate, and learning gradu- ally revived in Europe. But its advantages were confined to the few, while the many were sunk in ignorance, and governed by the prejudices of ages. The revolving wheel of time, however, brought about at length a period marked with the most auspicious events; amongst which may be noticed the discovery of a western continent and the art of printing. This invention was a noble triumph of human genius in the cause of science and literature. By making the channels of knowledge more abundant, the spirit of inquiry became more general, and the mental energies of the nations of Europe were partially aroused by the limited productions of the press. New chan- nels for information being now open, a portion of the people began to see the impositions practised on them by their spiritual rulers; and this gave rise to the sanguinary wars of the Reformation. In these wars was seen the strange anomaly of Christian armies opposed to each other and fight- ing in defence of the same religion, established by the Prince of Peace. The holy belligerents on each side, con- sidering their enemies as infidels and heretics, could offer up prayers to the same God for his assistance in the work of slaughter and carnage, and his aid was supplicated in susr taining the true faith. During this period a large portion of Europe became a field of religious contention and bloodshed. While the incubus of superstition and the spirit of fanati- cism governed the actions of the people, they had no incli- nation for scientific pursuits; and it was easy for the few to hold the many in feudal vassalage and ignorance; for when the minds of a people are religiously enslaved, civil liberty is but seldom enjoyed. After these wars had sub- sided, the intolerant spirit of religious persecution be- came somewhat relaxed in its severities, and the people of some portions of Europe made considerable progress in A2 5 INTRODUCTION. arts and sciences, and produced authors whose writings may serve as beacon lights to succeeding ages. But it was not tilf after a young empire, founded in the wilderness of the western world had taken an independent position amongst the nations of the earth, and had proclaimed the eternal truths that ■ kings rule not by divine right,' and that the people are the source of all sovereignty and equally entitled to a participation in the affairs of legislation and govern- ment of a nation, — that an impulse was given to the acqui- sition of knowledge and the pursuits of science, that has led to the wonderful discoveries of modern times. The prin- ciples emanating from the American republic, like so many sparks from the altar of Liberty, kindled the spirit of re- form, and aroused as from the slumber of centuries the toiling millions on the other side of the Atlantic, that king- craft, priestcraft and legalized aristocracy continued to hold in abject submission, and who were taught to believe that their destiny was decreed in heaven. The people of a great and powerful nation contending for the natural equality of man arose in the majesty of their strength, burst the chains of feudal vassalage, and waged war against their oppressors till the institutions of kings, priests and nobles were all swallowed up in the terrible whirlpool of the French revo- lution. The wars and convulsions of nations growing out of this revolution tended more to unsettle the ancient laws and customs that had originated through tyranny, ignorance and superstition than to repress the truths of philosophy or the spirit of free inquiry. Science made its way where ar- mies could not penetrate: and a combination of kings and emperors known as the e Holy Alliance' was not found suffi- ciently powerful to stifle the voice of reason, nor subdue the aspirations for knowledge and liberty amongst the people. Every nation has witnessed the effects of human progress in modern times; and within a few years past the discove- ries in every department of science and useful knowledge have been such as to produce among the profoundest philo- sophers sensations of surprise and astonishment. The in- ventions of the present day, though depriving many of their accustomed avocations, have opened new sources of indus- try and enterprise amongst the civilized nations of the earth., and are now multiplying the comforts and conveniencies of life in such a manner as will probably bring about a re- volution in the social condition of the human family. MARCH OF SCIENCE. Triumphant Science spreads her cheering light, The joy of manhood, and the guide of youth; And mingling millions can in peace unite To learn her lessons of eternal truth. By science men to lofty themes aspire; The lightning now they guide from place to place; Their work is done by water, wind and fire; These all become the servants of our race. By her assistance people now explore . . The ways of Nature, and expatiate free; In diving bells, balloons, descend or soar, Travel the skies or walk beneath the sea. What strange improvements Science now displays, Distance and space she overcomes with speed; While portrait painters use the solar rays, The dumb hold converse, and the blind can read. See mighty engines drive the ships afar,(l) Thro' adverse winds and waves they make their way: The same by steam propels the ponderous car, To run the iron road by night or day. Metallic steeds now breathing smoke and fire, With might and power outstrip the eagle's flight; Their greatest speed will not with labour tire; They need no rest, nor seek repose at night. MARCH OP SCIENCE. The air we breathe can run another team, With equal power, and travelling thousands cheery No more dependent on the force of steam, But moved by pressure of the atmosphere. Mortals, behold what Science has display'd, News, the companion of electric fire ! With lightning speed despatches are conveyed From town to town by means of coated wire. Dark clouds of heaven now cease to spread alarm, Their fire attracted by metallic rods That art has raised to shield our race from harm, And turn aside the arrows of the gods. (2) Strange are the works that art and science show, Galvani's labours we may scan awhile, With anxious care astounding facts to know, And gain instruction from th' Voltaic pile. Nature's mysterious agents now are known, To those who would improve this world of ours; Electro-magnetism has been shown Can be employ'd to aid mechanic powers. In ev'ry branch of science may be found Some wholesome facts for mortals to pursue, That those who long with prejudices bound, May cast the veil from off* their mental view. Astronomy the universe surveys, (3) And shows us worlds that roll in boundless skies; While those that move within the solar blaze, To men are known their circuits and their size. MARCH OF SCIENCE. Science has prophets she inspires to say, The hour and minute of a distant year, When darkness will obscure the source of day, Or when the moon's eclipses will appear. The shining orbs in the ethereal fields, And flaming comets with elliptic flight, Can joy impart to him who fondly yields To contemplate the firmament at night; Observatories risen in our land, Now aid the view of those who love to trace The heavenly host of worlds that roll so grand, And shine resplendent in unbounded space; Vast telescopes are seen, devoted to the skies, Enormous tubes that have the weight of tons, Science has formed, to aid the mortal eyes To scan the heavens, and gaze at other suns. Through the empyrean heights extended far The view can reach, but find no bourn or coast, Reach where our sun would seem a twinkling star, And earth in distance be entirely lost While some survey the universe sublime, Others now muse where fossil forms repose, And trace the marks the chariot wheels of time Have made on earth when other mountains rose. From things above to things on earth below, Where struggling nature gave volcanoes births Science can labor, and discov'ries show, That give a lengthen'd hist'ry of the earthy 10 MARCH OF SCIENCE. Geology now marks the ceaseless change, (4) To which our planet has been ever doom'd, And lays before us from its downward range, Remains of animals in rocks entomb'd* Thousands of ages backward we may trace, Compare the things that were with things that be, Organic forms our senses can embrace, Almost submerged in times' eternal sea; Human research can clearly now explore Remains of monsters that had once their birth On land, in water and along the shore, Ere man became a native of the earth. The sons of science bring before our view The numerous relics of the Mastodon, The Hydrochos and the Missourean too, Stupendous frames for men to muse upon. From arctic climes organic forms are shown, Fossil remains of animals and trees That lived and died within a torrid zone, Where spicy bowers perfumed the tepid breeze. Change and mutation nature's works display; These when survey'd by scientific ken, Impressive lessons silently convey, That make new changes in the minds of men; The land extends its empire in the sea, The sea in turn encroaches on the land, Incessant billows wash the shores away, Then regions rise from coral reefs and sand. MARCH OF SCIENCE. 11 Volcanic agents, fire and gas and steam, Upheave the land that swells to mountains high; Earthquakes, in turn, can soon reverse the scene, Now sunk to vales, once towering mountains lie. The sweeping tempests and the howling storms, The angry torrents mingling flood with flood, Give to the surface of the earth new forms, And change the mounds that have for ages stood. Change is the fate of forms however fair; Organs of thought and feeling soon may be Resolv'd to atoms floating in the air, Scattered on earth or mingled with the sea. From these again new forms of life arise, Combin'd with matter borne from clime to clime, The work of death each living form supplies, That hath its day upon the stream of time; The smallest atom on the whirlwind's wing, Will never to annihilation pass; Nature a change of form and place may bring, Each moat is lasting as the mountain mass. The varied shapes organic life displays, In nature's chain philosophy can trace, See countless beings move in different ways, And mark each link connecting race with race; Chemistry can show how substances combine, How change their qualities for something new, Agents explain, affinities define And nature's laboratory hold to view. 12 MARCH OF SCIENCE. Mechanic arts, her handmaids, ever near, Diffuse their social comforts through the land 5 And husbandry improv'd will millions cheer, And own the favors given by her hand. The teeming earth from once impoverish'd soil, Science has caused to yield a fourfold gain; As a reward for agricultural toil, Once naked waste land shows luxuriant grain. Chemists renown'd our gratitude should claim, As they for human usefulness aspire; Let their discoveries herald forth their fame For knowledge gained from mixture, heat and fire. What novel facts has chemisty display'd ! What wonders now we meet at ev'ry turn ! In red hot crucibles can ice be made, And fire in water may be seen to burn ! Improvements made, the human mind inspire, To view a mighty change some few years hence; Bricks may be burnt by means of solar fire, And convex lens be used in making fence !(5) Era of light! shall men in darkness be, The road to knowledge free for all to pass? Science has trimm'd her lamps that all may see, And cheers the face of night with blazing gas. Through arts and science, Commerce spreads her sails, And riches gathers from a thousand shores; While spinning jennies, looms and cotton bales, New fabrics furnish and increase her stores. MARCH OF SCIENCE. In all our workshops Science shows her power, In mills that work for man her skill prevails. She's seen alike where splendid structures tower, And in machines for making pins and nails: She oft invites to study what she yields. Displays the charms of Flora's wide domain In blooming vales, savannas, groves and fields, To those who nature's workings would explain. Botany can joy and usefulness combine; In its wide range what varied plants are seen, From humble moss up to the towering pine, What classes, orders, tribes exist between! What joy to wander o'er the hill or dale Where blooming bowers perfume the calm retreat! While balmy odours float upon the gale, A fossil flora lies beneatli our feet. Science the gloomy depths of earth explores, And in its bosom shining treasures finds; She brings to light the long neglected ores, And wealth creates from the prolific mines; The rocks give way at industry's control, Mechanic powers their greatest force engage, Mountains of ore are melted down with coal, 'Mid golden dreams we're in an iron age. Metallic ships now through the ocean glide, And bear the treasures of our hills and plains, Diffusing wealth upon the flowing tide And cheering those who live in far domains. B 14 MARCH OF SCIENCE, Improvements made in implements of war, By which the chance for life may wholly cease; From mortal combats these will men deter; Engines of death become the means of peace. (6) The hostile fleets with vaunting pride no more Can now in safety in our harbors glide; Unseen destruction slumbers near the shore, From young volcanoes sunk beneath the tide; Another engine made of simple frame, A smokeless batt'ry, when at work it flings In quick succession and with certain aim, The balls of cannon from revolving slings. Inventions now must awe the stoutest hearts, As they are made to show their dreadful powers, To guard our country and our rising marts, By hurling death in horizontal showers; Armies may yet behold death -dealing cars, (7) To strew with slain the fields and vallies green, Putting to flight the veterans skill'd in wars, While in their tracks ensigns of peace are seen. May justice, peace and harmony prevail, And earth no more the field of war and strife; Ambitious schemes of heartless tyrants fail, When men refuse to take each others life. How great the wonders Science has display'd, That ancient priests and sages never saw! At which the people would have been dismay 'd, And fill'd with fear and superstitious awe. MARCH OF SCIENCE. 15 What strange illusions optics can convey To cheat the senses and mislead the eye ! Deceptive mirrors in the face of day Reflect a painted image in the sky. Organs of thought can Science now explain, And useful knowledge to mankind impart; Show our desires depend upon the brain, The head is seen an index to the heart. Mesmer's philosophy revived again, If true, astounding facts before us keep; Men's limbs cut off without producing pain, Without disturbing the magnetic sleep ! Music improv'd, fresh energies inspire, The passing winds breathe animating airs To touch the soul and kindle good desires, To drown our sorrows and dispel our cares. The sons of Science roam the earth and sea, And gather knowledge in remotest isles, Scan nature's works with spirits bold and free, Where winter frowns or summer wears her smiles; On mountain tops, in caverns dark and drear, 'Mid polar ices and in torrid climes, Zealous defenders of her cause appear, To furnish facts for our enquiring times; Historic records and the works of Art Of distant ages, lead the enquiring mind To gather knowledge from what they impart, That we may read with care what others find? 16 MARCH OF SCIENCE. Stupendous monuments of pride no more Can modern science or research defy; . Egyptian Pyramids they now explore, (8) Their hist'ry meets the scrutinizing eye. Old China's realm the bold enquirer's trace; (9) Though long secluded yet she now displays To other portions of the human race The faithful records of her early days. Modern research on Hindoo plains appears In quest of truth, from annals old and rare To trace events beyond four thousand years, When ancient science flourished at Benair, Where crowded streets once gay with life and joy, Long sunk in earth, from light of heaven debarr'd, Enquiring minds their energies employ, To gather facts from cities disinterr'd; Where earth's volcanoes hurl around their fire, And roll their thunders o'er a world below, There friends of Science anxiously aspire Nature to scan and new discoveries show. Let Science and Philosophy combin'd, Spread cheering light where clouds and darkness lower 3 And millions free from those who mould the mind, To aid deception and increase their power; When human rights are understood by all, And ethics taught from just and equal laws, Tyrants upheld by cant and craft must fall, And all be moving in a righteous cause; MARCH OF SCIENCE. 17 A mass of legal chaos will give way To laws so plain that all may understand. And justice rule with undisputed sway. And work a reformation in the land. The Press sends forth her messengers of lights Diffusing knowledge — people are awake, Where once they hugg'd their chains in mental night, And spurn'd the hand that would their fetters break. When useful labor be the test of worth, And needful efforts with the plough and pen Shall, be more prized than accidental birth, Then right, not might, will give fresh joy to men; When justice rules with reason in her train, Earth's feudal tyrannies will shortly cease. And all partaking of the world's domain, Enjoy the products of their toil in peace, Science upheld by bold enquiring minds, By facts made clear she conquers reason's foes^ New friends from former enemies she finds; Where armies cannot pass, in peace she goes. Through earthly frauds pretended beings rise, To give men laws and governments and rules f The Greeks with gods could populate the skies, Phantoms of thought were deified by fools. While bigots fight about divine commands, The friends of science can united join, They meet in fellowship from distant lands, And in sweet concord worship at her shrine, R2 18 MARCH OF SCIENCE* Magicians work their miracles no more, For she detects the agents they employ! And those the ways ot nature can explore, Will yet the trade of mystery destroy. Enquiring minds engaged in reason's cause, Now gather facts from demonstration plain,. And learn their destiny from nature's laws, Nor strive with myst'ry myst'ry to explain. The mental agitations, like the sea, That throws successive surges on the shore, Will wash the mounds of prejudice away, And leave men free to study and explore. Hail sun of Science, let its light expand, To chase delusion's gloomy clouds away, Witchcraft no longer dwells upon the land, Where men enjoy an intellectual day. (10) What once was thought effects of demons' power,. To rule the mind and subjugate the heart, Are known diseases mortals oft endure; They yield submission to the healing art. Physicians now with scientific skill, By aiding nature banish our complaints; Impostors neither frighten, cure nor kill, By using charms or by invoking saints; Omens and dreams now fail to Faise alarms, And ghosts to men of sense dare not appear? And fancied spectres raise their hostile arms To none but slaves of ignorance and fean MARCH OF SCIENCE. 19 The reign of bigotry may soon be o'er; Where reason rules no conquests can she make, And holy judges can commit no more, Judicial murders for religion's sake. Oft have the victims of delusion's ire In dungeons groan'd men's holy wrath to please, Or lost their lives by slow consuming fire, While shouts of joy were borne upon the breeze. The ranting zealots, fill'd with strife and care, From Science feel no tranquil joys arise, They make their vision castles in the air, And build their El Dorados in the skies. No more our race by fiery bigots led, When men shall learn their dearest rights to know; Grim persecution then will hide her head, And lay aside her instruments of woe; The hoary dogmas of the days of yore By bigots fram'd, will cease to rule the mind When men the ways of wisdom shall explore, Through Science and Philosophy combin'd; When truths of Science are to all made known, The angry feud and fights of faith may cease, And stubborn prejudice be overthrown, (11) And man with man claim fellowship and peace. Pretended agents of celestial power, The grand deceivers of the human race, In reason's empire will be known no more, When mind is free like air's expansive space, 20 MARCH OF SCIENCE. From Science soon will dawn a brighter day, And human progress ev'ry nation cheer, And war no more its cruelties display, Nor Superstition fill the world with fear. m © ^ m 8. (1) See mighty engines drive the ships afar. Perhaps nothing displays in a more conspicuous manner the ad- vance of modern science than the wonderful expedition in travelling both bj land and sea. This will have a most salutary effect in bringing into contact the inhabitants of different portions of our confederation. People thus min- gling lose much of their sectional prejudices and gain infor- mation from one another. The increasing facilities for com- mercial intercourse between different portions of the earth will extend the light of science and dispel much of the cruel superstitions and evil customs of barbarous nations, and produce amongst them a spirit of emulation to advance in the scale ot civilization, and do more for the cause of hu- manity than all the sectarian missionaries that have ever traversed the globe. Seneca, the celebrated moral philoso- pher of antiquity, with a prophetic eye to the future, made the following observations: — «« The time will perhaps come when by the continued observation during future ages facts that are now unknown will be plainly demonstrated to our posterity; and it will then only be astonishing that they should have escaped our penetration. In ages to come the sea may be traversed in spite of winds and storms. Avarice and ambition may discover a new world, and Thule will then no longer be considered as the extreme part of the globe. " What would be the surprise of Seneca if he could return after the lapse of two thousand years, and witness the wonderful discoveries and various pursuits of civilized life in the present day? He would find his precepts ad- vocated by enlightened men, and the fashionable religion of his time (in which he was an unbeliever) considered by all as an exploded superstition. (2) And turn aside the arrows of the gods. — Many of the strange appearances that were witnessed in former times, and were considered as the immediate effects of superna- MARCH OF SCIENCE. tural power, are now known to proceed from natural causes. With ignorant and superstitious people, the voice of a god was heard in the thunder, and the vivid streaks of light- ning were believed to be the arrows of his vengeance. But by the discoveries of modern times, lightning is known to be produced by the operations of nature, and can be direct- ed or controlled by human art. Enlightened minds of the present day are neither terrified at the thunders of Jeho- vah on Mount Sinai, nor at those of Jupiter on Mount Olympus. The wonderful discoveries in electricity, and the appli- cation of its agency to the purposes of civilized life, are amongst the noblest of the triumphs of modern science. The diligent expounder of nature's laws sees in them con- clusive proofs of human progress, and is led to anticipate in the future, more startling and important discoveries in this wonderful element, in regard to its vivifying energies in the animal and vegetable kingdoms. The following lines appeared lately in some of the pa- pers; they represent nature as complaining of her sons' spoliation: " What, daring men," cries Nature, *« will ye spare? See Franklin force the clouds their bolts to bury, The sun resigns his pencil to Daguerre, While Morse the lightning makes his secretary !" Wonderful results have been produced from the experi- ments in electricity by professor Cross, of England. His demonstrations with the electric fluid have filled his sur- rounding neighbours with awe and astonishment. He has already succeeded, by means of extensive conductors and powerful batteries in collecting this mysterious agent of nature in such quantities as to produce twenty discharges in a minute as loud as the report of a cannon. The pea- sants in his vicinity, as they listen to his thunders, think he must be aided by supernatural powers. This is the man who is said to have produced living animals from flint. While in pursuit of some discoveries in crystalization, he had flints reduced to a fine powder, which was made into a thin paste by mixing it with the nitrate of copper, which is considered a most deadly poison; to this combination a stream of galvanism was applied for about twenty days^ MARCH OF SCIENCE. 23 when, instead of crystals being produced, living insects were found to exist in this substance. This experiment was repeated and produced the same effects. (3) Astronomy the universe surveys. No science shows more fully the extent of human genius, or the mental en- ergies of man than astronomy. Its present state of ad- vancement is the result of the united observations of many ages. Although the correct theory has been known to learned men of different nations for a long time, it was not till of late years that efforts were made to render this science familiar to all classes. This is done by means of lectures and mechanical inventions, as orreries, planetari- ums and celestial globes. A late invention by Mr. Vale of New York, is perhaps better calculated to elucidate and simplify the study of astronomy, than any other that has yet been brought into use. It consists of a common terres- tial globe, surrounded at a suitable distance by a celestial sphere, composed of transparent sections, one or more ot which can be taken off as occasion may require, by which we may see the real position of the earth at different sea- sons of the year, and the apparent movement of the hea- venly bodies. By this artificial connection of geography and astronomy, a knowledge of both sciences can be readily obtained; and all the principal problems in each can be clearly illustrated. From the facilities of acquiring know- ledge, it is probable that the girls and boys in the common schools of the present day, know more about geography and astronomy, than did the kings and queens of Europe two or three centuries ago. The easy access to observatories furnished with telescopes of great magnifying powers, enables us to contemplate na- ture in her sublimest aspect. Probably the largest tele- scope ever yet made, is that of Lord Ross, of Ireland, being fifty feet in length, and seven feet in diameter. We have accounts of another lately made in Paris, nearly equal iin size. These will greatly extend the reach of human vision into the hitherto unexplored regions of space; disco- veries will probably be made, of the most interesting nature. If heaven consists of the surrounding concave expanse, the more a man knows about astronomy, the more he knows about heaveiic Or in other words, the ways of heaven are 24 MARCH OF SCIENCE* best known to the best astronomers. It is the intention of the author of the present work, to publish some astro- nomical diagrams, printed on silk or muslin, so that a per- son can become acquainted with the most important outlines of astronomy by consulting his pocket handkerchief. In the study of one science, recourse is frequently had to another, in explaining certain phenomena. It is now known to astronomers that the poles of the earth make re- volutions around the poles of the ecliptic, at an angle of 23£ degrees, in about 25,000 years. This movement occa- sions the precession of the equinox. During a far greater period of time the earth makes another entire revolution, in the course of which portions of the earth now in high north- ern or southern latitudes would occupy similar positions to the direct influence of the sun, as the equatorial regions do at present. Hence, we may account for what geology has brought to light, in regard to the remains of animals, trees and other plants found within the limits of the frigid zone, and belonging to the same species as those only existing within the tropics. Mineral coal is now generally admit- ted by men of science, to have been formed from ancient vegetation, as fossil plants are frequently found imbedded in it. The Island of Disco, in Baffin's Bay, is known to contain immense masses of this substance, which never could have been foimed there while the island had the same position to the sun that it has at present. Many of these revolutions are indicated by what is presented to the con- templation of the Geologist. (4) Geology. — This science may be considered as in its infancy, for it was not till within a few years past, that its principles were reduced to a system; since which many unexpected facts have been brought to light, and many truths made clear that never before engaged the attention of mankind. The discoveries in geology have disturbed the dreams of superstition and overturned many of the dog- mas, doctrines and opinions of men. From this science we learn that six thousand years is a very short period compared with the time that this earth has been making its revolutions round the sun. Every shower produces some change upon the face of our globe; but the changes that take place during the short period of one generation, with MARCH OF SCIENCE. £5 the exception of such as occur from earthquakes and vol- canoes, are seldom noticed by the great mass of mankind. The changes that take place in the course of a few thou- sand years, are, however, very great. The regular en- croachments of the land upon the sea, or, in other places, of the sea upon the land, known to have occured since the earliest historical records, furnish data by which we can travel back into more remote antiquity, and calculate the time required for other formations of like character, where, instead of three or four miles, we find as many hundred miles in extent. Yet we are told, that the Lord has set bounds to the sea, and has said, "hitherto shalt thou come, but no farther, and here let thy proud waves be stayed. " A more correct version might be, that theology has set bounds to free inquiry, and has said, hitherto shalt thou come, but no farther, and here let the voice of reason be stayed. While the sea is extending her dominions into the land, we may notice vast tracts of country formed by the sedi- ment of rivers, in places once occupied by the sea. Many examples might be given in our own country; but it may be sufficient to mention the Valley of the Mississippi: corals and other marine productions are found as high up as the Falls of Ohio, five or six hundred miles to the nearest part of the sea. Since the first settlement of Louisiana, about two hundred years ago, the deposits of this great river have extended the land into the sea, probably not less than five or six hundred yards. If we admit the formation to have been uniform, we may say, if five or six hundred yards give two hundred years, what will five or six hundred miles give? This may be considered by some as a vague calcu- lation; for there may be a greater depth of water where the present deposits are made, than where they were made in remote ages of the world. But then there is abundant proof, that nearly the whole of Louisiana west of the Mis- sissippi is of sedimentary formation from this stream, whose variable channel occupied different locations at different periods, west of where it now flows; forming vast tracts of land where the sea once extended its waves, and leaving shores not now affected by present deposits. The existence. of marine productions found in the earth, several hundred miles from the sea, have long excited the attention of the curious; many persons have exuJtingly pointed to them as t6 MARCH OF SCIENCE. conclusive proof of the occurrence of a universal deluge, as mentioned in Genesis. Ignorant of geological facts, and unable to account for this deluge upon philosophical prin- ciples, they think to confound us by telling us that it was brought about by the miraculous power of God, — that, ££ the fountains of the great deep were broken up," — that, i( the windows of heaven were opened," — -that, "it rained forty days and nights." What are "the fountains of the great deep?" and where are "the windows of heaven?" Did heaven throw its windows open wide, To let a flood down on our planet dash, One might suppose that the celestial tide Was strong enough to force away the sash. The heaviest rains known in modern times, would not raise the waters of the ocean forty feet in the time men- tioned, and it would have required the water to rise nearly thirty feet every hour, to have reached the highest pinna- cles of this globej there are some mountains known to be more than twenty-five thousand feet above the level of the sea. What became of this world of water after the deluge had subsided? From whence came the five distinct races of men, after all the inhabitants of the earth had been de- stroyed except Noah and his family? The unexpected discoveries in geology, and its explanations ot the changes that our globe has undergone, afford much for our reflection? and are calculated to produce important changes in the minds of men who dare seek for truth wherever it may be found. Mr. Lyell observes, that " never did any science, with the exception of astronomy, unfold in an equally brief period, so many novel and unexpected truths, and overturn so many preconceived opinions as geology. The senses had for ages declared the earth to be at rest, until the astrono- mer taught that it was carried through space with incon- ceivable velocity. In like manner was the surface of this planet regarded as having remained unaltered since its cre- ation, until the geologist proved that it had been the theatre of reiterated change, and was still the subject of slow, but never ending fluctuation. The discoveries of other systems in the boundless regions of space, was the triumph of astro- nomy: to trace the globe we inhabit, through various trans- MARCH OF SCIENCE. 2£ formations — to behold it at successive eras adorned with dif- ferent hills and vallies, lakes, seas and rivers, and peopled with new inhabitants, was the delightful meed of geological research. By the geometer were measured the regions of space and the relative distances of the heavenly bodies. By the geologist, myriads of ages were reckoned, not by arithmetical computation, but by a train of physical events — a succession of phenomena in the animate and inanimate worlds — signs which convey to our minds more definite ideas than figures can do, of the immensity of time." Professor Sedgwick, in a discourse on geology, has the following: " By the discoveries in geology, we learn that the manifestations of God's power on earth, have not been limited to the few thousand years of man's existence. The geologist tells us by the clearest interpretations of the phe- nomena which his labours have brought to light, that our globe has been subject to vast physical revolutions. He counts his time, not by celestial cycles, but by an index which he has found in the solid framework of the earth itself. He sees a long succession of monuments, each of which may have required a thousand ages for its elabora- tion. He arranges them in chronological order, observes on them the marks of skill and wisdom, and finds in them the tombs of the ancient inhabitants of the earth. He finds strange and unlooked for changes in the forms and fashions of organic life, during each of the long periods he thus contemplates. He traces these changes backwards through each successive era, till he reaches a time when the monu- ments lose all symmetry, and the types of organic life are no longer seen. He has then entered upon the dark page of nature's history, and here he closes the old chapter of records. This account has so much of what is exactly true, that it hardly deserves the name of figurative de- scription." (5) Jlnd convex lens be used in making fence. — Most people are familiar with what is called the sun glass, which is used in lighting cigars, &c. Sir Humphry Davy and others have already succeeded with this convex lens upon a large scale, in producing a heat from the rays of the sun so intense as to fuse a brick bat in less than a minute. From what has already been discovered, it has been suggested, £8 3IARCH OF SCIENCE. that earthen fence could be made with great advantage^ particularly where stone and timber are deficient. In the operation of making this fence, it would, in the first place, be necessary to level and prepare the ground for a founda- tion. Next, to introduce the fence mould, of such a length as might be found most convenient, with the space inside to correspond to the required thickness of the fences this, to be filled in with earth, not excluding gravel, pebbles, &c. These being sufficiently moistened with water, and pounded together till they form a solid substance; and after being exposed to the sun till thoroughly dried, then apply to it the focus of the solar rays from a convex lens fifteen or twenty feet in diameter, supported by a frame on which it could turn with the sun. From this process, it is believed that a substantial earthen or porcelain fence could be made* (6) Engines of death become the means of peace, — Arts and science directed by human genius have so far improved the implements of destruction to be used in military and naval warfare, that people will prefer living in peace to be- ing destroyed in battle, where no laurels await the conquer- or — where the ambitious commander and the humble con- script will be alike insensible to martial glory. As much as we may deplore the miseries and calamities of war, it may sometimes become necessary and justifiable. It is doubtful whether the cause of humanity would be promoted should the doctrine of non-resistance be generally adopted. It is more than probable that the rich and powerful would gradually encroach on the rights of the feeble and defence- less, and subjugate them to the tyranny of a clanish aris- tocracy. There are many who affect much holy horror at the bondage of a portion of the coloured race in the southern States; yet they can behold without emotion the more wretched condition of thousands of the white race, occa- sioned by the slavery of poverty and the precarious depen- dence for employment. |,The spirit of non-resistance would perpetuate many existing evils, and be a check to human progress. However indispensable it may be on some occa- sions to resort to war to hasten the downfall of tyranny and injustice among nations, and to repel invasions, the signs of the times indicate that reason, science, free enquiry and MARCH OF SCIENCE. 29 general education are destined to make greater conquests than cannon balls or rifle bullets. (7) Armies may yet behold death-dealing cars. Steam wagons to run on common roads have been invented in England. They are made to ascend rising ground and go down declivities at a suitable regulated speed. From reflecting on this invention and the late improvements of the implements of war, my mind is fully impressed with the belief that a steam car could be so constructed as to be impenetrable to cannon balls, and prove a most deadly en- gine of destruction to an invading army. It should contain a cover extending over the car and locomotive reaching near to the ground, so as to protect the wheels of both: this protecting cover should be made in the form of an elliptical cone, but nearly sharp at each end, and to have suitable slant on all sides from its downward extremities towards the top, so that balls coming from any direction would strike it obliquely and bound off. It might be made of tough sheet iron of a suitable thickness, supported by elastic springs firmly attached to the framework within: the inner surface to consist of strong wire-work about two inches from the sheet iron, and the space filled in with sponge or wool driven together with considerable force. It should contain a sufficient number of portholes on all sides for the discharge of rifles and muskets, each of which might contain several charges of bullets or buck-shot, that could be let off in quick succession. This car might require wheels of much greater diameter than those used on the common rail-roads, and very broad tyre; it might have one or more sky lights in the top, and a trap-door for entrance in the floor. The outside cover should be oiled or be thoroughly rubbed with hard soap on all sides previous to its being brought into ac- tion. A war-car thus constructed, it is believed, would prove the most destructive engine ever used in battle: it might bid defiance to the artillery; its very appearance would throw the cavalry into confusion, and it could march through columns of infantry without receiving the least in- jury from rifle bullets. This chariot of Mars would soon clear the way for one to be directed by the Goddess of Peace. C2 30 MARCH OF SCIENCE. (8) Egyptian pyramids. — These stupendous monuments? of ancient labour, were for a long time considered as amongst the principal wonders of the world. The inten- tion of their origin was veiled in mystery till within a few years past, when Compollon and others, by the untiring application of their genius to the study of the inscriptions on these vast works, succeeded in reading their hierogly- phical records. They have since given to the world, as the fruits of their research, some of the most prominent events in the early history of ancient Egypt. The time of the completion of each of these pyramids is now known. They were built to perpetuate the memory of the kings of Egypt, and serve as sepulchres for her kings and nobles. They record in succession the number of years that each king reigned, thus giving a long period that ancient Egypt existed as a nation. This, added to the time that has elapsed since the earliest record of history considered as authentic (independent of the Hebrew chronology,) at the present day, we are carried back beyond the time of the pretended universal deluge. The last of these pyramids was built about one hundred and fifty years after this ca- lamity is said to have happened; and there are more than thirty of these monuments now remaining; the largest of which covers eleven acres, and is upwards of five hundred feet high. The inscriptions on these wonderful structures record many important events, but make no mention of Moses, nor of the miraculous passage of him and his fol- lowers through the Red Sea; nor of the great River Nile ever having been turned into blood. They are as completely silent on these subjects, as the books attributed to Moses, are on the pyramids. The workmanship displayed in the construction of these pyramids shows that the Egyptians were far advanced in mechanical skill, and in their taste for architectural decorations. What we now call the Ro- man arch, is found in the sepulchres constructed long be- fore Rome was in existence. The stones were cut with copper chisels, made harder and more durable than those of steel. Mr. Gliddon has thrown much light on the py- ramidal records of Egypt, in a series of lectures delivered in the principal cities of the United States, and since pub- lished in a volume,. MARCH OF SCIENCE. 31 (9) Old China's realm. — The Chinese empire may be considered as a sort of world within its own limits. With a population of about three hundred and fifty millions — equal to about one-third of the inhabitants of the earth} with vast internal resources, and a people inclined to live in peace with other nations, and to adhere to their ancient customs and institutions with a kind of sacred veneration, they have studiously observed as little intercourse with other nations as possible. And it was not till lately that their history has been partially known and promulgated in other portions of the world. We are now shown a positive and unbroken history of China, extending back through the long period of 4483 years, commencing nearly three cen- turies before the time of the pretended universal deluge, as given in the Hebrew chronology, recorded in Genesis. Learned men from different nations have lately visited this country, and with a laudable spirit of research, have applied themselves to the investigation of the historical records of China, which are found to consist of about one hundred small folio volumes; a copy of which has been placed in the royal library of Paris. From this history, a chronological summary has been given by the celebrated Pauthier, by which we learn, that from the beginning of the reign of the first emperor, Hoang Ti, 2637 years before the commencement of the Christian era, to 1846, there were twenty-four successive dynasties, and two hundred and fifty-eight emperors or kings. In the historical annals of this people, the duration of each dynasty, the time that each emperor reigned, and the prominent events as they occurred in succession, are regularly recorded. The Hin- doos lay claim to a much greater antiquity than the Chinese. Both China and Hindostan cultivated astronomy in very remote ages, and had men who could foretell eclipses. These eclipses were noticed and commented on at the time of their occurrence, and become identified with their his- tory and chronology. Astronomers of the present day have gone back with their calculations, and find that those eclipses must have taken place when mentioned. It is stated in the history of China, that the two royal astrono- mers, Hi and Ho, were executed for not announcing an eclipse of the sun which occurred 2155 years B. C. about six centuries before the time of Moses. Modern calcula- MARCH OF SCIENCE. tions have ascertained that an eclipse of the sun took place at this point of time. Few persons are aware of the pro- gress of research in Oriental antiquity, during the last ten or twelve years, by French, German, Prussian and English scholars. (10) Witchcraft no longer dwells upon the land ivhere men enjoy an intellectual day. — It is the light of science, and a knowledge of nature, that has banished the spectres, ghosts and witches — the mere creatures of imagination, by which the credulous minds of mortals have so often been afflicted with superstitious awe and chilling sensations of horror. From the great advancement in liberal principles since the Baptists and Quakers were hung in New England for an honest difference of opinion in matters of religion, and others for the supposed crime of witchcraft, we may rea- sonably anticipate that the time is not far distant, when many of the fashionable but arbitrary doctrines and dogmas of the Christian Church, which honest and virtuous peo- ple are indirectly persecuted for not supporting, will be numbered with the exploded superstitions of past ages; and be venerated as little by future generations, as the Puri- tanical blue laws are by the present. In these enactments of our pious ancestors, fourteen different crimes were punish- able by death, and texts of scripture quoted as authority for the penalty! How would these laws be received at the pre- sent day by our Christian friends, who contend for the abolition of capital punishment? We are often told by those who pretend to be our heavenly guides, that the laws of the land are founded on what they call divine revelation. If so, our law makers should consult their bibles before they frame a bill; but so far from this being the case, many of our legal enactments are in direct opposition to those said to have been instituted by God for the government of his chosen people. It is true that in order to strengthen and perpetuate a corrupt monarchy, an equally corrupt church establishment was instituted by the English government, and laws were enacted to screen the nobility from merited censure, and to protect the impositions of those belonging to the sacer- dotal order. Amongst these may be noticed the law of libel, or law against speaking the truth; for it held by this enact- MARCH OF SCIENCE. 33 ment that the greater the truth the greater the libel. What a paradox! With this may be numbered the law against blasphemy, to prevent people speaking irreverently of holy things. This law carries with it about as much reason as the law against witchcraft. Then we have the religious test law to exclude unbelievers in the dogmas and doctrines of the church, notwithstanding their known characters for veracity, from giving evidence or testimony in what are call- ed courts of justice, while it admits the testimony of any unprincipled hypocrite who may profess the required belief. These laws, with a few others, constitute what has been denominated the legalised Protestant Inquisition, now in full force in some of the States of this confederation, al- though in direct opposition to the best precepts of the Chris- tian religion, and to the letter and spirit of the Constitution of the United States. Priestcraft will support and defend these unjust laws, even to the death-grasp of expiring in- tolerance. In the cure of those nervous diseases that were formerly considered as the effects of witchcraft, for which unfortu- nate men and women were accused, condemned and exe- cuted, may be seen an important triumph of medical sci- ence over spiritual quackery. The taking of life for the supposed crime of witchcraft, was attended with the most afflicting consequences to sur- viving relatives, and afforded a kind of malignant exulta- tion to the fanatics who caused the destruction of the vic- tims. But we are told by our spiritual guides, that this delusion was a common error of the age — that people have now grown wiser. Yet they must all admit, that the doc- trine of witchcraft and demonology is inculcated in their sacred books. It is the truth, elicited by the philosophical investigations of the operations of nature, that has caused the different orders of the clergy to take new positions, and assume new grounds. Modern science has disproved many of the hoary dogmas of antiquity; and we now behold Christendom in confusion, from the conflicting opinions about what they call "divine revelation." Yet they would make us believe, that the present discord among various divisions and subdivisions of the Church, is only the effect of tuning their instruments for the full strains of heavenly harmony that is soon to follow ! This prepara- 34 MARCH OF SCIENCE. tion for the grand millenium has been going on for ages, and has been attended at all times with hatred and animo- sity. When they shall all agree among themselves, as to what is the true faith, then they will have a right to expect that we will listen to them. Our heavenly guides, with sanctimonious frown. Mysterious tactics and with solemn looks, And thirst for power, would keep discussion down. O'erawe the press, and rule the trade in books. (11) And stubborn prejudice be overthrown. — Nothing is better calculated to repress the evil spirit of prejudice, bigotry and persecution, founded on the ancient legends of superstition, than a knowledge of the sciences, and the ap- plication of this knowledge to the explanation of the ope- rations of nature. Men of enlightened minds, however, often require strong efforts to divest themselves of the su- perstitious notions imbibed in their early years — notions that have originated in distant ages of barbarism, and that have been perpetuated through the different grades of civili- zation, by those who live and flourish by human credulity. In most countries where a large majority of the people are uninformed, the liberal and intelligent few are overawed by the clamours of the unthinking multitude, urged on by their spiritual dictators, and who, for the sake of a quiet life, oppose not the current of popular delusion. " Few traits in the human character are more reprehen- sible than prejudice; it is the twin sister ot ignorance; and the one is rarely found without the other. It shuns inves- tigation, and treats with ridicule and contempt all efforts of human progress that do not happen to coincide with its stereotyped notions. Satisfied with its own imperfect at- tainments, and impelled by a zeal not according with know- ledge, it assumes an air of intellectual superiority, and with a lip curled in derision, it stalks throughout the land, the terror of genius, and the enemy of the human race. It invariably seeks to retard the progress of liberal principles, by a sytematic course of detraction and abuse, and that too, without deigning to give them the slightest examination, to ascertain whether they are true or false." All reformations have been effected bv those who have MARCH OF SCIENCE. 55 contended more for what they believed to be right, than for what was deemed popular. The teachers of superna- tural theology affect to despise what they cannot refute, and pour forth their holy vengeance and pious maledictions upon any who may utter those truths of science and philo- sophy, that are in opposition to their established creeds, and long cherished prejudices. The war-whoop of infidelity is sounded from their altars, and their faithful followers are summoned to sustain their divine pretensions, by opposing all those who will not receive their doctrines, or who may deny that any set of men are ever inspired from above, to carry out the will of God by persecuting their fellow beings. In the Christian system, we are presented with two divine revelations, constituting the old and new testaments, the requirements of which are as different as the laws of Draco and those of Solon. Both these revelations are said to have been given by an unchangeable Deity, who is the same yes- terday, to day and forever. Yet, if we express our doubts of their authenticity, we are denounced and traduced, in proportion to the power and influence of the Church. But the time will yet come, when the sacred legends of a bar- barous and superstitious people in former ages, will not be considered as forming a proper basis for an enlightened morality. Owing to our particular organization, and the different temperaments of the various members of the human family, different degrees of credulity or incredulity will exist on the same subject. But a large majority are so nearly alike in their fondness for the marvellous, that they will readily embrace the wildest freaks of imagination that designing impostors may put forth in the name of religion. When these superstitious notions and opinions are reduced to a system, and this system adopted by a nation, and becomes sanctified by time and usage, it gives an almost irresistible bias to those just entering on the career of life. Thus, a person bom in Constantinople, in the morning of his exist- ence, sees all around him men and women in acts of de- votion to Allah and the Prophet; and as he beholds vast multitudes thronging the mosqes, with their imposing mi- narets, he does not question the authenticity of the religion of which his relations and friends are the faithful devotees, and thinks himself fortunate in being born where the sacred 36 MARCH OF SCIENCE. pages of the Koran are open for his perusal, and returns thanks to Allah, that his lot has not been cast among the profane Christians or unbelieving Infidels. . t Many superstitions now extinct have risen up and spread over a great portion of the globe, and were believed in by the people during a long succession of generations as con- stituting the only true religion; that of the ancient Greeks and Romans is best known, and their still remaining tem- ples, erected in honour of their imaginary gods, frequently serve as models of architectural style for those in the present day dedicated to a stable-born divinity. When the prejudices from early impressions shall have been overcome and superseded bv a liberal and enlightened benevolence, and each individual shall be convinced that his own rights are best secured by his never violating the rights of others — that his own happiness is increased in pro- portion as he promotes the well-being of those around him, and that his own life and enjoyments will be prolonged as he Jives agreeably to the laws of nature, and is temperate in all things — then may we expect that concord and har- mony will supply the places of hatred and ill-will, and want, crime and wretchedness be followed byjustiee, peace and plenty, ^477-155 Lot 39 •4.* «il°* %. O* ."•. "*^ 4> ^*«v A* 1 . « >* .A <». « W Treatment Date: Sept. 2009 PreservafionTechnoloqi A WORLD LEADER IN C0LLECT.0NS PRESErX 111 Thomson Park Drive S n ^S nship ' PA16066 process.