On the study of natural history as a branch of general education in schools and colleges : being a paper read before the Natural History Society of Belfast on the evening of Thursday the 26th Nov. 1840 / By Robert Patterson.

  • Robert Patterson
Date:
1840
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On the study of natural history as a branch of general education in schools and colleges : being a paper read before the Natural History Society of Belfast on the evening of Thursday the 26th Nov. 1840 / By Robert Patterson. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    panied by cruelty to our fellow-creatures, or indifference to their suffering. Natural History, therefore, tends to render men humane. In a former place, I have noticed the cheerful and active frame of mind inseparable from this pursuit. If to this we add its unselfish and humane tendencies, it is obvious, that the study, if pursued aright, is not without an important influ¬ ence in cultivating qualities, both of head and heart, of high importance in the performance of our social duties as members of society. When enumerating the intellectual effects and pleasures attendant on the pursuit, those arising from skill in the struc¬ ture, and care in the preservation of animals, were mentioned. But the mental effect is not limited to the production of a transient emotion of pleasure: it is the prelude of a long train of thought, and of the most grateful and reverential feeling towards the Great First Cause. The structural arrangements, admirable as they are, should never be regarded merely as examples of mechanical skill, as evidence of the operations of an Intelligence, as proofs of the existence of a God. They testify not only his existence, but his wisdom, his goodness, and his omnipotence; and should ever be studied with a direct and constant refer¬ ence to Him. The Naturalist who, in this humble and truth¬ seeking spirit, explores the world around him, will ever feel what the poet has expressed, “ These are thy glorious works, Parent of Good—Almighty!” If viewed in this light, the actions of the inferior animals become elevated into so many manifestations of the Almighty Intelligence, from whom they derive their being. Hence, Bonnet says, in a brief but happy metaphor, “ When I see an insect working at the construction of a nest or a cocoon, I am impressed with respect; because it seems to me, that I am at a spectacle where the Supreme Artist is hid behind the curtain.”* The instinctive actions of animals, for the nourishment, pro¬ tection, or defence of their young, will, of course, be referred to * Contemplation de la Nature, quoted in Insect Architecture, page 182. C
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