How are glass and
soap made? What has a knowledge of natural science to do with the
construction of stoves, furnaces, and lamps? How are iron, silver, and
copper ore mined and reduced? How is sugar obtained from maple trees,
cane, and beet root? How does a suction pump work and why? Without a
knowledge of such applications of natural science we should be thrown
back into barbarism. These things also, since they form such an
important part of every child's environment, should be understood, but
not for direct utility.
Historically considered, the study of natural science is the study of
man's long continued struggle with nature and of his gradual triumph.
It ends with insight into nature and into those contrivances of men by
which her laws and forces are utilized. The whole subject of nature,
her laws and powers, must not remain a sealed book to the masses of the
people. Scientists, inventors, and scholars may lead the way, but they
are only pioneers. The thousands of the children of the people are
treading at their heels and must be initiated into the mysteries.
Our knowledge of these principles and appliances constitute in fact a
good share of the foundation upon which our whole _culture status_
rests.
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