The Poetry of Science or, Studies of the Physical Phenomena of Nature

The Poetry of Science; or, Studies of the Physical Phenomena of Nature

The True is the Beautiful. Whenever this becomes evident to our senses, its influences are of a soul-elevating character. The beautiful, whether it is perceived in the external forms of matter, associated in the harmonies of light and colour, appreciated in the modulations of sweet sounds, or mingled with those influences which are, as the inner life of creation, ever appealing to the soul through the vesture which covers all things, is the natural theme of the poet, and the chosen study of the philosopher. But, it will be asked, where is the relation between the stern labours of science and the ethereal system which constitutes poetry? The fumes of the laboratory, its alkalies and acids, the mechanical appliances of the observatory, its specula and its lenses, do not appear fitted for a place in the painted bowers of the Muses. But, from the labours of the chemist in his cell,from the multitudinous observations of the astronomer on his tower,spring truths which the philosopher employs to interpret natures mysteries, and which give to the soul of the poet those realities to which he aspires in his high imaginings. Science solicits from the material world, by the persuasion of inductive search, a development of its elementary principles, and of the laws which these obey. Philosophy strives to apply the discovered facts to the[Pg x] great phenomena of being,to deduce large generalities from the fragmentary discoveries of severe induction,and thus to ascend from matter and its properties up to those impulses which stir the whole, floating, as it were, on the confines of sense, and indicating, though dimly, those superior powers which, more nearly related to infinity, mysteriously manifest themselves in the phenomena of mind. Poetry seizes the facts of the one and the theories of the other; unites them by a pleasing thought, which appeals for truth to the most unthinking soul, and leads the reflective intellect to higher and higher exercises; it connects common phenomena with exalted ideas; and, applying its holiest powers, it invests the human mind with the sovereign strength of the True. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 51897
Author: Hunt, Robert
Release Date: Apr 30, 2016
Format: eBook
Language: English