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On The Advantages To Be Derived From The Study Of The Mathematics.
among others which mi ght be adduced , are advantages which sufficiently prove the value of the science of Optics . The discovery of gunpowder , as it gave rise to new modes of attack and defence , and called forth the art of Gunnery , rendered it necessary to study the theory of projectiles more particularl y , and thus increased the practical consequence of Geometry . ArithmeticGeometryMechanicsand Opticscombine their
ef-, , , , fects in the production of the sublime system of Astronomy , the study of which cotiibutes much to the happiness of the individual who pursues it , and adds greatly to the general good of society . By this science , the law of attraction is demonstrated , in the " revolution of the universe about a common centre of gravity , the return of comets in their fli ght through infinite spacethe periods of the
, planets in their passage round the sun , the orbits of satellites in circumscribing their principals , and also the diurnal motion of the earth , and the other celestial bodies , upon their own axes : —hereby we discoverthe necessity of day and ni ght , the duration of twili ght , and tite change of seasons ; hence we perceive the causes of the eclipses and the ebbing and flowing of the sea ; by the aid of this
science , the situation of places is precisely determined , and hence the mariner is enabled to arrive at countries separated by vast seas from each ^ other , by tracts as well ascertained as the roads which lead to different . towns of the same kingdom ! These are some of the deductions of Astronomy ; and here we naturally enquire , whether all the order thus rendered visible can be
the effect of chance ? Accident could not produce such universal harmony ! In them I see the emanations of infinite intelligence , and , seeing , do homage to the Author of Ihe universe !—Passion and prejudice may operate in giving effect to systems of reli gion , but here the finger of Omnipotence is so obviously displayed , that it seems to me impossible that any other motive than pride can prevent our discovering and acknowled ging the hand of a divine Architect , in the erection of so immense and boundless a structure !
Lastly , Navigation , which is made up of Astronomy and Geometry , is so noble an art , and to it mankind owe so many advantages , that , on this single account , these excellent sciences deserve most of all to be studied , and doubtless merit the greatest encouragement from a nation who owes to it both its riches and security . ' By it , the surplus of our own produce is exported , and the wealth of other countries brought into our ports ! by a knowled of this
scige ence , Commerce hath been enabled to spread her happy influence over the world , and although she hath been the harbinger of some vice , yet hath she also been a means of diffusing a ray of knowledge , of bursting the iron gates of prejudice asunder ; of collecting men together , and hence , by shewing them their mutual wants , taught them the necessity of mutual good offices .
Having tints briefly shewn how much Mathematics improve the mind , how subservient they are to other arts , and how immediately useful to the commonwealth , I shall take the liberty of suggesting
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.
among others which mi ght be adduced , are advantages which sufficiently prove the value of the science of Optics . The discovery of gunpowder , as it gave rise to new modes of attack and defence , and called forth the art of Gunnery , rendered it necessary to study the theory of projectiles more particularl y , and thus increased the practical consequence of Geometry . ArithmeticGeometryMechanicsand Opticscombine their
ef-, , , , fects in the production of the sublime system of Astronomy , the study of which cotiibutes much to the happiness of the individual who pursues it , and adds greatly to the general good of society . By this science , the law of attraction is demonstrated , in the " revolution of the universe about a common centre of gravity , the return of comets in their fli ght through infinite spacethe periods of the
, planets in their passage round the sun , the orbits of satellites in circumscribing their principals , and also the diurnal motion of the earth , and the other celestial bodies , upon their own axes : —hereby we discoverthe necessity of day and ni ght , the duration of twili ght , and tite change of seasons ; hence we perceive the causes of the eclipses and the ebbing and flowing of the sea ; by the aid of this
science , the situation of places is precisely determined , and hence the mariner is enabled to arrive at countries separated by vast seas from each ^ other , by tracts as well ascertained as the roads which lead to different . towns of the same kingdom ! These are some of the deductions of Astronomy ; and here we naturally enquire , whether all the order thus rendered visible can be
the effect of chance ? Accident could not produce such universal harmony ! In them I see the emanations of infinite intelligence , and , seeing , do homage to the Author of Ihe universe !—Passion and prejudice may operate in giving effect to systems of reli gion , but here the finger of Omnipotence is so obviously displayed , that it seems to me impossible that any other motive than pride can prevent our discovering and acknowled ging the hand of a divine Architect , in the erection of so immense and boundless a structure !
Lastly , Navigation , which is made up of Astronomy and Geometry , is so noble an art , and to it mankind owe so many advantages , that , on this single account , these excellent sciences deserve most of all to be studied , and doubtless merit the greatest encouragement from a nation who owes to it both its riches and security . ' By it , the surplus of our own produce is exported , and the wealth of other countries brought into our ports ! by a knowled of this
scige ence , Commerce hath been enabled to spread her happy influence over the world , and although she hath been the harbinger of some vice , yet hath she also been a means of diffusing a ray of knowledge , of bursting the iron gates of prejudice asunder ; of collecting men together , and hence , by shewing them their mutual wants , taught them the necessity of mutual good offices .
Having tints briefly shewn how much Mathematics improve the mind , how subservient they are to other arts , and how immediately useful to the commonwealth , I shall take the liberty of suggesting