In the next place, Natural Science is a subject which a man cannot
learn by paying for teachers. He must teach it himself, by patient
observation, by patient common sense. And if the poor man is not the
rich man's equal in those qualities, it must be his own fault, not
his purse's. Many shops have I seen about the world, in which fools
could buy articles more or less helpful to them; but never saw I yet
an observation-shop, nor a common-sense shop either. And if any man
says, "We must buy books:" I answer, a poor man now can obtain better
scientific books than a duke or a prince could sixty years ago,
simply because then the books did not exist. When I was a boy I
would have given much, or rather my father would have given much, if
I could have got hold of such scientific books as are to be found now
in any first-class elementary school. And if more expensive books
are needed; if a microscope or apparatus is needed; can you not get
them by the co-operative method, which has worked so well in other
matters? Can you not form yourselves into a Natural Science club,
for buying such things and lending them round among your members; and
for discussion also, the reading of scientific papers of your own
writing, the comparing of your observations, general mutual help and
mutual instructions? Such societies are becoming numerous now, and
gladly should I see one in every town.
Pages:
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29