From: Thos. Sprat 1722 'The History of the Royal Society'
It is strange that we are not able to inculcate into the minds of many
men, the necessity of the distinction of my Lord Bacon's, that there
ought to be Experiments of Light, as well as of Fruit. It is their
usual word, 'What solid good will come from thence?' They are indeed to
be commended for being so severe exactors of goodness. And it were to
be wish'd, that they would not only exercise this vigour, about
Experiments, but on their own lives and actions: that they would still
question with themselves, in all that they do: 'What solid good will
come from thence?' But they are to know, that in so large, and various
an Art as this of Experiments, that there are many degrees of
usefulness: some may serve for real, and plain benefit, without much
delight: some for teaching without apparent profit: some for light now,
and for use hereafter; some only for ornament and curiosity. If they
will still persist in contemning all Experiments, except those which
bring with them immediate gain, and a present harvest: they may as well
cavil at the Providence of God, that he has not made all seasons of the
year to be times of mowing, reaping and vintage.
(original spelling and punctuation, but sadly, not emphases or typefaces).
Margo
________________________
Margo Huxley
(until next Tuesday)
Senior Lecturer
Department of Town and Regional Planning
University of Sheffield
|