SCIENCE REVEALING THE TREASURES
OF THE EARTH
By Edwin A. Abbey
From a mural painting in the Pennsylvania State Capitol at Harrisburg.
In this picture the artist portrays an open coal mine into which several mine-workers are descending. They are stalwart, young, artless pioneers, eager for discovery. They impart dramatic energy and realism to the picture.
Science is pointing the way. She is accompanied by Fortune, the latter blindfolded and tiptoeing on her wheel. Grasping Fortune’s right hand is Abundance, with an overflowing cornucopia, or horn of plenty, on her shoulder. These mythological figures lend the picture its symbolism.
The artist portrays a great truth. Human labor, wisely guided by science, has found fortune and abundance in the mines and quarries of the earth.
SCIENCE REVEALING THE TREASURES OF THE EARTH. By Edwin A. Abbey
Copyright by Edwin A. Abbey. From a Copley Print, copyright by Curtis & Cameron, Boston. Reproduced by permission.]