Elements of physics or natural philosophy : written for general use in plain or non-technical language / by Neil Arnott.

  • Arnott, Neil, 1788-1874.
Date:
1864
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Elements of physics or natural philosophy : written for general use in plain or non-technical language / by Neil Arnott. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    there is growing up an enlightened public opinion, which quickens and directs the progress of every art and science, and through the medium of a free press, although overlooked by many, is now rapidly becoming the governing influence in all the affairs of man. 7. Influence of Public Opinion shown in the history of Britain and its Colonics. In Great Britain, partly perhaps as a consequence of its insular situation, which lessened among its inhabitants the dread of hostile invasion, and sooner formed them into a united and compact people, the progress of enlightened opinion had been more decided than in other states. The early consequences were, more free political institutions ; and these gradually led to greater and greater improvements, until Britain became an object of admiration among the nations. Colonies of her children trained more or less in her ways, now occupy extensive terri- tories in various parts of the earth, and are increasing in popu- lation, wealth, and power, as colonies never did before. Some of these in mere extent and population will soon surpass greatly the parent state. It could not be expected, however, that they all would escape such severe trials as most other communities have passed through in their early stages ; and accordingly, as was foreseen and foretold by profound thinkers like Macaulay, lie Tocqueville, and others with respect to the United States of North America, certain defects in their consti- tution have aroused among them at this time most deplorable strife. This condition, however, will naturally soon come to an end, and we may hope that it will serve in the future as an effectual warning against like evils to the present sufferers and to others. In the still more recent] v discovered continent of Australia, which is nearly as large as Europe, and is empty of men, coloni- zation is spreading with a rapidity never before witnessed; and that beautiful and rich portion of the earth will also soon be covered with the descendants of free-born Englishmen. From thence, still onward, they or their institutions will naturally spread over the vast archipelago of the Pacific Ocean, a track studded with islands of paradise. Such, then, is the extra- ordinary moment of revolution or transition in which the world at present exists ! And where, it may be again asked, has the Divine Author of all willed that the progress shall cease ? Thus far at least we know, that He has made our hearts rejoice to see