“The end of the eighteenth and the commencement of the nineteenth century are remarkable for the small amount of scientific movement going on in this country, especially in its more exact departments. Mathematics were at the last gasp, and astronomy nearly so; I mean in those members of its frame which depend upon precise measurement and systematic calculation. The chilling torpor of routine had begun to spread itself over all those branches of Science which wanted the excitement of experimental research.” MeanEndsCountryWantedLastsScienceCenturyMovementDependsAmountMembersResearchAccountsMathematicsSpreadAstronomyExcitementBranchesDepartmentRemarkableRoutinePreciseChillMeasurementCalculationsSystematicNineteenth CenturySmall Amounts Author:John Herschel
“First, In showing in how to avoid attempting impossibilities. Second, In securing us from important mistakes in attempting what is, in itself possible, by means either inadequate or actually opposed to the end in view. Thirdly, In enabling us to accomplish our ends in the easiest, shortest, most economical, and most effectual manner. Fourth, In inducing us to attempt, and enabling us to accomplish, object which, but for such knowledge, we should never have thought of understanding. On the ways that a knowledge of the order of nature can be of use.” KnowsWayShouldFirstsMeanImportantEndsUseScienceOrderUnderstandingViewsMistakeKnowledgeObjectsAccomplishFourthImpossibilityAttemptingInadequateEnabling Author:John Herschel