Scientific Studies; or, Practical, in Contrast with Chimerical Pursuits

From a Bust by Mr. James Loft, Sculptor, exhibited at the Royal Academy, 1867; and now in the Sculpture Gallery of the Crystal Palace, Sydenham.
I. THE LIFE OF EDWARD SOMERSET, SECOND MARQUIS OF WORCESTER, INVENTOR OF THE STEAM ENGINE.
II. CHIMERAS OF SCIENCE: ASTROLOGY, ALCHEMY, SQUARING THE CIRCLE, PERPETUUM MOBILE, Etc.
With Illustrative Diagrams.
HENRY DIRCKS, C. E., LL.D., F.C.S., M.R.S.L., F.R.S.R., &c. &c.
AUTHOR OF THE LIFE OF THE MARQUIS OF WORCESTER; WORCESTERIANA; &c.
LONDON: E. & F. N. SPON, 48, CHARING CROSS, S.W. 1879.

It forms a necessary part of popular lectures that they should possess breadth with brevity, and interest without too great profundity. It is possible to see a large extent of country from a lofty tower without being cognizant of every blade of grass, the perfume of blossoms, or the notes of the sweetest songsters of the groves. In like manner the popular lecturer has to present only so much to the eye of the mind as will give the prominent features of his theme, omitting those details over which the scholar, or the true lover of his subject, dwells with the affection of a fond parent over a darling child.
We must look with astonishment at a man of noble birth, who in a period of civil commotion, with a monarch for his friend, and a court at his command, secluded himself during his youth in a stately ancient tower, engaged in abstruse studies and wonderful mechanical operations; and who, late in life, amidst the terrors of civil war was found turning his inventive faculties, like another Archimedes, to the construction of means of defence, and terrible weapons of offence. But it is only those who become immersed in studies, whether of theology, philosophy, or kindred mental pur suits, who can appreciate the growing appetite for what appears to unlettered men as the driest of all dry occupations. The mere pleasure-seeker knows not how much is lost, and how little is gained by sharing the most brilliant gaieties of fashionable life.