COSMOS: A Sketch of the Physical Description of the Universe, Vol. 1 | Page 8

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 23-78
Insight into the connection of phenomena as the aim of all natural investigation. Nature
presents itself to meditative contemplation as a unity in diversity. Differences in the
grades of enjoyment yielded by nature. Effect of contact with free nature; enjoyment
derived from nature independently of a knowledge of the action of natural forces, or of
the physiognomy and configuration of the surface, or of the character of vegetation.
Reminiscences of the woody valleys of the Cordilleras and of the Peak of Teneriffe.
Advantages of the mountainous region near the equator, where the multiplicity of natural
impressions attains its maximum within the most circumscribed limits, and where it is
permitted to man simultaneously to behold all the stars of the firmament and all the forms
of vegetation -- p. 23-33.
Tendency toward the investigation of the causes of physical phenomena. Erroneous views
of the character of natural forces arising from an imperfect mode of observation or of
induction. The crude accumulation of physical dogmas transmitted from one country to
another. Their diffusion among the higher classes. Scientific physics are associated with
another and a deep-rooted system of untried and misunderstood experimental positions.
Investigation of natural laws. Apprehension that nature may lose a portion of its secret
charm by an inquiry into the internal character of its forces, and that the enjoyment of
nature must necessarily be weakened by a study of its domain. Advantages of general
views which impart an exalted and solemn character to natural science. The possibility of
separating generalities from specialties. Examples drawn from astronomy, recent optical
discoveries, physical geognosy, and the geography of plants. Practicability of the study of
physical cosmography -- p. 33-54. Misunderstood popular knowledge, confounding
cosmography with a mere encyclopedic enumeration of natural sciences. Necessity for a
simultaneous regard for all branches of natural science. Influence of this study on
national prosperity and the welfare of nations; its more earnest and characteristic aim is
an inner one, arising from exalted mental activity. Mode of treatment with regard to the
object and presentation; reciprocal connection existing between thought and speech -- p.
54-56.
The notes to p. 28-33. Comparative hypsometrical data of the elevations of the
Dhawalagiri, Jawahir, Chimborazo, Aetna (according to the measurement of Sir John
Herschel), the Swiss Alps, etc. -- p. 28. Rarity p 16 of palms and ferns in the Himalaya
Mountains -- p. 29. European vegetable forms in the Indian Mountains -- p. 30. Northern
and southern limits of perpetual snow on the Himalaya; influence of the elevated plateau
of Thibet -- p. 30-33. Fishes of an earlier world -- p. 46.
Limits and Method of Exposition of the Physical Description of the
Universe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . Page 56-78
Subjects embraced by the study of the Cosmos or of physical cosmography. Separation of
other kindred studies -- p. 56-62. The uranological portion of the Cosmos is more simple
than the telluric; the impossibility of ascertaining the diversity of matter simplifies the
study of the mechanism of the heavens. Origin of the word 'Cosmos', its signification of
adornment and order of the universe. The 'existing' can not be absolutely separated in our
contemplation of nature from the 'future'. History of the world and description of the
world -- p. 26-73. Attempts to embrace the multiplicity of the phenomena of the Cosmos
in the unity of thought and under the form of a purely rational combination. Natural
philosophy, which preceded all exact observation in antiquity, is a natural, but not

unfrequently ill-directed, effort of reason. Two forms of abstraction rule in the whole
mass of knowledge, viz.: the 'quantitative', relative determinations according to number
and magnitude, and 'qualitative', material characters. Means of submitting phenomena to
calculation. Atoms, mechanical methods of construction. Figurative representations;
mythical conception of imponderable matters, and the peculiar vital forces in every
organism. That which is attained by observation and experiment (calling forth
phenomena) leads, by analogy and induction, to a knowledge of 'empirical laws'; their
gradual simplification and generalization. Arrangement of the facts discovered in
accordance with leading ideas. The treasure of empirical contemplation, collected
through ages, is in no danger of experiencing any hostile agency from philosophy -- p.
73-78.
[In the notes appended to p. 66-70 are considerations of the general and comparative
geography of Varenius. Philological investigation into the meaning of the words [Greek
word] and 'mundus'.]
Delineation of Nature. General Review of Natural Phenomena. . . . . p.