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On The Advantages To Be Derived From The Study Of The Mathematics.
"rounds upon which to pursue its researches , gives thera-over as IITH possible ; but , in mathematical investigations , the truth , after diligent enquiry , may always be obtained ; and the difficulties which present themselves in the pursuit generally operate as a stimulus to arrive at the end proposed . - Secondly , From the study of the Mathematics is obtained a method of close and demonstrative reasoning . ¦
Example is more powerful than precept : this universal maxim applies equally in the art of reasoning as in the inferior arts of singing , dancing , & c . By accustoming ourselves to reason closely about quantity ( the object of the Mathematical Sciences ) we acquire a habit of doing so in other things ; and the method of Geometricians , in their analyses , is
the model upon whiclj'we must form ourselves , in order to make a decisive progress in any object of enquiry ; for the way in which Mathematicians arrive at the truth , is by means of definitions of words before agreed upon , self-evident truths , and propositions that have b : cn previously demonstrated ; and this is practical in other subjects , although not to the same extent ; the natural want of evidence in the
things themselves not always allowing it . Permit me to add , that one accustomed to the systems of truth , which Geometricians have reared in the several branches of those sciences which they have respectively cultivated , can hardly bear with the confusion and disorder of many of the other sciences , but
will endeavour , as far as he can , to reform them . Thirdly , Mathematical knowledge adds a manly vigour to the mind , and frees it from prejudice , credulity , and superstition . This desirable end it accomplishes in two ways : first , by accustoming us to examine , and not to take things upon trust ; 2 dly , By g iving us a more clear and extensive knowledge of the system of the worldwhichwhile it excites in us a most profound reverence
, , of the almighty and wise Creator , frees us from the mean and narrow thoughts which ignorance and superstition always generate . — The Mathematician asks , Could the Being whose mind projected such a stupendous whole , and whose power enabled him to execute it—He who diffused so many blessings over the whole earth , and clothed her surface with such a variety of good—could he intend
that a river , or an arm of the sea , should be the limit Of man ' s goodwill to his fellow-man , or that an unessential difference of opinion should teach men to hate each other?—The philosopher rejects the grovelling idea , passes the narrow boundary of his own couutiy , and emphatically feels and ardently acknowledges the honest man of every region of the world to be his brother .
In former times the wily politician , aided by priest-craft , succeeded in causing the Mathematics to be considered as enemies to religion . To the barbarous system of tyranny which they so long and impiously miscalled reli gion , the Mathematical Sciences were indeed most powerful adversaries : but can that pursuit whose aim' is truth , and in the investigation of which a steady adherence to ri ght is es-• C 2
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
On The Advantages To Be Derived From The Study Of The Mathematics.
"rounds upon which to pursue its researches , gives thera-over as IITH possible ; but , in mathematical investigations , the truth , after diligent enquiry , may always be obtained ; and the difficulties which present themselves in the pursuit generally operate as a stimulus to arrive at the end proposed . - Secondly , From the study of the Mathematics is obtained a method of close and demonstrative reasoning . ¦
Example is more powerful than precept : this universal maxim applies equally in the art of reasoning as in the inferior arts of singing , dancing , & c . By accustoming ourselves to reason closely about quantity ( the object of the Mathematical Sciences ) we acquire a habit of doing so in other things ; and the method of Geometricians , in their analyses , is
the model upon whiclj'we must form ourselves , in order to make a decisive progress in any object of enquiry ; for the way in which Mathematicians arrive at the truth , is by means of definitions of words before agreed upon , self-evident truths , and propositions that have b : cn previously demonstrated ; and this is practical in other subjects , although not to the same extent ; the natural want of evidence in the
things themselves not always allowing it . Permit me to add , that one accustomed to the systems of truth , which Geometricians have reared in the several branches of those sciences which they have respectively cultivated , can hardly bear with the confusion and disorder of many of the other sciences , but
will endeavour , as far as he can , to reform them . Thirdly , Mathematical knowledge adds a manly vigour to the mind , and frees it from prejudice , credulity , and superstition . This desirable end it accomplishes in two ways : first , by accustoming us to examine , and not to take things upon trust ; 2 dly , By g iving us a more clear and extensive knowledge of the system of the worldwhichwhile it excites in us a most profound reverence
, , of the almighty and wise Creator , frees us from the mean and narrow thoughts which ignorance and superstition always generate . — The Mathematician asks , Could the Being whose mind projected such a stupendous whole , and whose power enabled him to execute it—He who diffused so many blessings over the whole earth , and clothed her surface with such a variety of good—could he intend
that a river , or an arm of the sea , should be the limit Of man ' s goodwill to his fellow-man , or that an unessential difference of opinion should teach men to hate each other?—The philosopher rejects the grovelling idea , passes the narrow boundary of his own couutiy , and emphatically feels and ardently acknowledges the honest man of every region of the world to be his brother .
In former times the wily politician , aided by priest-craft , succeeded in causing the Mathematics to be considered as enemies to religion . To the barbarous system of tyranny which they so long and impiously miscalled reli gion , the Mathematical Sciences were indeed most powerful adversaries : but can that pursuit whose aim' is truth , and in the investigation of which a steady adherence to ri ght is es-• C 2