Life of a Scotch Naturalist: Thomas Edward, Associate of the Linnean Society

Life of a Scotch Naturalist: Thomas Edward, Associate of the Linnean Society. - Fourth Edition

The history of the humblest human life is a tale of marvels. Dr. Johnson said that there was not a man in the street whose biography might not be made interesting, provided he could narrate something of his experiences of life, his trials, his difficulties, his successes, and his failures. I use these words as an introduction to the following biography of my man in the street. Yet Thomas Edward is not an ordinary man. Eighteen years since, I mentioned him in Self-Help, as one of the most extraordinary instances of perseverance in the cause of science that had ever come under my notice. Nor was he a man of any exalted position in society. He was a shoemaker then; he is a shoemaker still. For nearly thirty years he has fought the battle of scientific poverty. He was one of those men who lived for science, not by science. His shyness prevented him pushing himself forward; and when he had done his work, he was almost forgotten.[vi] How he pursued his love of Nature,how he satisfied his thirst for knowledge, in the midst of trials, difficulties, and troubles,not the least of which was that of domestic poverty,will be found related in the following book. Indeed, it may be said of him, that he has endured as much hardship for the cause of science, as soldiers do in a prolonged campaign. He spent most of his nights out of doors, amidst damp, and wet, and cold. Men thought him mad for enduring such risks. He himself says, I have been a fool to Nature all my life. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 49154
Author: Smiles, Samuel
Release Date: Jun 7, 2015
Format: eBook
Language: English