An Introduction to Entomology, or Elements of the Natural History of the Insects, Volume II of IV

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, New Age, History, Fiction & Literature
Cover of the book An Introduction to Entomology, or Elements of the Natural History of the Insects, Volume II of IV by William Kirby & William Spence, Library of Alexandria
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: William Kirby & William Spence ISBN: 9781465583116
Publisher: Library of Alexandria Publication: March 8, 2015
Imprint: Language: English
Author: William Kirby & William Spence
ISBN: 9781465583116
Publisher: Library of Alexandria
Publication: March 8, 2015
Imprint:
Language: English
One principal cause of the little attention paid to Entomology in this country, has doubtless been the ridicule so often thrown upon the science. The botanist, sheltered now by the sanction of fashion, as formerly by the prescriptive union of his study with medicine, may dedicate his hours to mosses and lichens without reproach; but in the minds of most men, the learned as well as the vulgar, the idea of the trifling nature of his pursuit is so strongly associated with that of the diminutive size of its objects, that an entomologist is synonymous with every thing futile and childish. Now, when so many other roads to fame and distinction are open, when a man has merely to avow himself a botanist, a mineralogist, or a chemist—a student of classical literature or of political economy—to ensure attention and respect, there are evidently no great attractions to lead him to a science which in nine companies out of ten with which he may associate promises to signalize him only as an object of pity or contempt. Even if he have no other aim than self-gratification, yet "the sternest stoic of us all wishes at least for some one to enter into his views and feelings, and confirm him in the opinion which he entertains of himself:" but how can he look for sympathy in a pursuit unknown to the world, except as indicative of littleness of mind?
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
One principal cause of the little attention paid to Entomology in this country, has doubtless been the ridicule so often thrown upon the science. The botanist, sheltered now by the sanction of fashion, as formerly by the prescriptive union of his study with medicine, may dedicate his hours to mosses and lichens without reproach; but in the minds of most men, the learned as well as the vulgar, the idea of the trifling nature of his pursuit is so strongly associated with that of the diminutive size of its objects, that an entomologist is synonymous with every thing futile and childish. Now, when so many other roads to fame and distinction are open, when a man has merely to avow himself a botanist, a mineralogist, or a chemist—a student of classical literature or of political economy—to ensure attention and respect, there are evidently no great attractions to lead him to a science which in nine companies out of ten with which he may associate promises to signalize him only as an object of pity or contempt. Even if he have no other aim than self-gratification, yet "the sternest stoic of us all wishes at least for some one to enter into his views and feelings, and confirm him in the opinion which he entertains of himself:" but how can he look for sympathy in a pursuit unknown to the world, except as indicative of littleness of mind?

More books from Library of Alexandria

Cover of the book The Expressman and the Detective by William Kirby & William Spence
Cover of the book Faustus: His Life, Death, and Doom by William Kirby & William Spence
Cover of the book The Angel of the Prairies; A Dream of the Future by William Kirby & William Spence
Cover of the book From Sketch-book and Diary by William Kirby & William Spence
Cover of the book Selected Short Stories of Mary Elizabeth Braddon: Eveline's Visitant, The Cold Embrace, Good Lady Ducayne, At Chrighton Abbey, The Shadow in the Corner by William Kirby & William Spence
Cover of the book Aufsätze by William Kirby & William Spence
Cover of the book The Anatomy of Suicide by William Kirby & William Spence
Cover of the book Seeing Europe With Famous Authors (Complete) by William Kirby & William Spence
Cover of the book The Tiger-Slayer: A Tale of the Indian Desert by William Kirby & William Spence
Cover of the book Adenoids and Diseased Tonsils: Their Effect on General Intelligence by William Kirby & William Spence
Cover of the book Nothing to Say by William Kirby & William Spence
Cover of the book The Religion of Numa and Other Essays on the Religion of Ancient Rome by William Kirby & William Spence
Cover of the book The Lady of the Manor (Complete) by William Kirby & William Spence
Cover of the book The Castaways by William Kirby & William Spence
Cover of the book The Story of the Great Fire in St. John, N.B., June 20th, 1877 by William Kirby & William Spence
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy