An Introduction to Entomology, or Elements of the Natural History of the Insects, Volume IV 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 IV 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: 9781465583079
Publisher: Library of Alexandria Publication: March 8, 2015
Imprint: Language: English
Author: William Kirby & William Spence
ISBN: 9781465583079
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 Safety Match by William Kirby & William Spence
Cover of the book Bert Wilson's Twin Cylinder Racer by William Kirby & William Spence
Cover of the book The Social Significance of the Modern Drama by William Kirby & William Spence
Cover of the book A Beginner's Psychology by William Kirby & William Spence
Cover of the book Amusement Only by William Kirby & William Spence
Cover of the book Curiosities of Puritan Nomenclature by William Kirby & William Spence
Cover of the book Hydesville: The Story of the Rochester Knockings, Which Proclaimed the Advent of Modern Spiritualism by William Kirby & William Spence
Cover of the book The Golden Verses of Pythagoras and Other Pythagorean Fragments by William Kirby & William Spence
Cover of the book Salona, Fairfax County, Virginia by William Kirby & William Spence
Cover of the book The Story of the Greek People by William Kirby & William Spence
Cover of the book Pig-Headed Sailor Men From The Strange Adventure of James Shervinton and Other Stories by William Kirby & William Spence
Cover of the book Les opinions de M. Jérôme Coignard: Recueillies par Jacques Tournebroche by William Kirby & William Spence
Cover of the book Picturesque World's Fair, an Elaborate Collection of Colored Views . . . Comprising Illustrations of The Greatest Features of The World's Columbian Exposition and Midway Plaisance: Architectural, Artistic, Historical, Scenic and Ethnological by William Kirby & William Spence
Cover of the book The Black Monk by William Kirby & William Spence
Cover of the book Fairy Tales from Spain 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