1. Natural history stories for _entertainment_. Many curious and
entertaining facts in connection with animal life were searched out,
more especially unusual and spicy anecdotes of shrewdness and
intelligence. Some of the old readers, and even of the recent ones,
are enriched with such marvels.
2. _Utility_, or the study of things in nature that are directly useful
or hurtful to man. Whatever fruits or animals or herbs are of plain
service to man, as well as things poisonous or dangerous, were studied
because such information would be of future service. It was a purely
practical aim, at first very narrow, but in an enlarged and liberal
sense of much importance.
3. _Training of the senses_ and of _the observing power_. By a study
and description of natural objects, sense perception was to be
sharpened and a habit of close observation formed. Among science
teachers today no aim is more emphasized than this. It also stores
away a body of useful ideas of great future value. This is an
intellectual aim that accords better with the purpose of the school
than the preceding.
4. _Analysis_ and _determination of specimens_. To examine and trace a
plant, mineral, or insect, to its true classification and name, has
occupied much of the time of students.
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