_PRELIMINARY DISCOURSE_
on the Study of
NATURAL PHILOSOPHY
BY
SIR JOHN F. W. HERSCHEL, BART. K.H.
_M.A.--D.C.L.--F.R.S.L&E.--M.R.I.A.--F.R.A.S.
F.G.S.--M.C.U.P.S.--&c. &c._
NEW EDITION.
1851.
[Illustration:
_H. Corbould del._ _E. Finden. sculp._
NATURÆ MINISTER ET INTERPRES.]
NEW EDITION.
London:
PRINTED FOR LONGMAN, BROWN, GREEN & LONGMANS, PATERNOSTER ROW
CONTENTS.
Page
PART I.
OF THE GENERAL NATURE AND ADVANTAGES OF THE STUDY OF THE
PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
CHAP. I.
Of Man regarded as a Creature of Instinct, of Reason, and
Speculation.--General Influence of Scientific Pursuits on
the Mind. 1
CHAP. II.
Of abstract Science as a Preparation for the Study of Physics.--
A profound Acquaintance with it not indispensable for a
clear Understanding of Physical Laws.--How a Conviction
of their Truth may be obtained without it.--Instances.--
Further Division of the Subject. 18
CHAP. III.
Of the Nature and Objects, immediate and collateral, of
Physical Science, as regarded in itself, and in its
Application to the practical Purposes of Life, and its
Influence on the Well-being and Progress of Society. 35