LECTURE.

PART I.

1 Astronomy is that science, or division of knowledge, which treats of thosei physical laws of existence and motion which regulate the great masses of the, universe termed the heavenly bodies; which explains their mutual relations,their several actual conditions, and the general arrangement and action resultingit from their organization.

| The word Astronomy , by its derivation, signifies, with Astrology (withJ which epithet it was originally coincident), the reason, interpretation, or law of\ the Astra, or stars. This definition of Astronomy explains to us, at once, the| stupendous character of its object, with the high interest and sublimity of its3 inquiries and speculations. A science which presents to our consideration thei greater works of creation, and engages us in the study of their direct mani-? festations of power, together with the unerring truth and beauty of the laws of* action which govern them, will ever hold pre-eminence over other branches ofI human knowledge.

I Of the devices proposed by active ingenuity for the popular dissemina-I tion of knowledge, oral instruction, combined with pictorial illustration, is1 admitted to be the most agreeable and successful, and, therefore, the mostk popular; and, if the importance and dignity of the science of Astronomy be1 rightly considered, there will be little hesitation to conclude that Astrono-1 mical Lectures, of a character judiciously suited to the genius and previousinformation of the auditory, may reasonably assume a foremost place in thismode of teaching.

Astronomy , universally acknowledged to be the most sublime and interestingof those sciences which admit of popular illustration, is doubly valuable, from itspowerful influence and effects in the refinement and elevation of the human1 mind, and the vigour it imparts to the higher faculties.

1 11

j| •

I 1