Excerpt from Scientific Agriculture: Or the Elements of Chemistry, Geology, Botany and Meterology, Applied to Practical Agriculture
No apology ought to be required for the appearance of a work like this: the importance of the subjects discussed should secure at least an impartial examination.
But from the humiliating consciousness which the author feels of his own inability to do justice to so difficult a task, he is induced to say something by way of explanation, in order, if possible, to put himself upon friendly terms with his readers. The importance of an enterprise, however, furnishes no reason to an incompetent person for attempting its prosecution.
If, after the book has passed the trial of the public prosecutors in behalf of science, the critics, - they shall decide against it, the author has no alternative, but must plead guilty: neither will he claim indulgence on the ground of its being the first offence, or plead, in extenuation of his fault, bis ignorance of the law in relation to the case.
But a sincere desire (augmented by personal considerations) to aid in the diffusion and cultivation of science, has induced him to make an effort, which may not be regarded by liberal minds as altogether inexcusable.
The practice of issuing crude and imperfect books, is a fault quite too prevalent at the present day: there are already too many mere alphabets of science, abridgements, and books of learning made easy; their tendency is to make conceited and superficial scholars, without the labor of personal observation and patient study.
But the elements of any science may be so explained and arranged, as to give a synopsis which may be of much service to the student; and when these elements are learned, he has laid the foundation for future advancement by his own observation.
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