Volume 1

An history of the earth, and animated nature / [Oliver Goldsmith].

  • Oliver Goldsmith
Date:
1791
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An history of the earth, and animated nature / [Oliver Goldsmith]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    feem equally unfitted for the comforts and coi*- veniencies of life j and, although the imagina- 'tion may find an awful pleafure in contem- plating the frightful precipices of Greenland,' or the luxurious verdure of Africa, yet true happinefs can only be found in the more mo- derate climates, where the gifts of nature may be enjoyed without incurring danger in obtain- ing tliem. It is in the temperate zone, therefore, that all the arts of improving nature, and refining upon happinefs, have been invented: and this part of the earth is, more properly fpealcing, the theatre of natural hiftory. Although there be millions of animals and vegetables in the unexplored forefts under the line, yet moft of thefe may for ever continue unknown^ as curi- ofity is there reprelTed by furrounding danger. But it is otherwife in thefe delightful regions which we inhabit, and where this art has had its beginning. Among us there is fcarce a Ihrub, a flower, or an infedt, without its par- ticular hiftory i fcarce a plant that could be ufeful which has not been propagated; nor a weed that could be noxious which has not been pointed out. CHAP.
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