Preliminary Discourse on the Study of Natural Philosophy (eBook, ePUB) - F. W. Herschel, John
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The situation of man on the globe he inhabits, and over which he has obtained the control, is in many respects exceedingly remarkable. Compared with its other denizens, he seems, if we regard only his physical constitution, in almost every respect their inferior, and equally unprovided for the supply of his natural wants and his defence against the innumerable enemies which surround him. No other animal passes so large a portion of its existence in a state of absolute helplessness, or falls in old age into such protracted and lamentable imbecility. To no other warm-blooded animal has nature…mehr

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Produktbeschreibung
The situation of man on the globe he inhabits, and over which he has obtained the control, is in many respects exceedingly remarkable. Compared with its other denizens, he seems, if we regard only his physical constitution, in almost every respect their inferior, and equally unprovided for the supply of his natural wants and his defence against the innumerable enemies which surround him. No other animal passes so large a portion of its existence in a state of absolute helplessness, or falls in old age into such protracted and lamentable imbecility. To no other warm-blooded animal has nature denied that indispensable covering without which the vicissitudes of a temperate and the rigours of a cold climate are equally insupportable; and to scarcely any has she been so sparing in external weapons, whether for attack or defence. Destitute alike of speed to avoid and of arms to repel the aggressions of his voracious foes; tenderly susceptible of atmospheric influences; and unfitted for the coarse aliments which the earth affords spontaneously during at least two thirds of the year, even in temperate climates,—man, if abandoned to mere instinct, would be of all creatures the most destitute and miserable.
Autorenporträt
Sir John Frederick William Herschel, 1st Baronet KH FRS (1792-1871), was an English polymath, mathematician, astronomer, chemist, inventor, and experimental photographer who also did valuable botanical work. The only son of Mary Baldwin and noted astronomer William Herschel, he followed in his father's footsteps both in astronomy and in receiving a knighthood. Herschel's education was extensive and he exhibited early brilliance, graduating from St John's College, Cambridge as Senior Wrangler, the highest mathematical honor, in 1813. His 'Preliminary Discourse on the Study of Natural Philosophy', published in 1830, serves as an indispensable overview of 19th-century scientific methods and perspectives, reflecting a broad view of natural philosophy as the philosophical and phenomenological study of nature. Herschel's distinction in scientific endeavors earned him the presidency of the Royal Astronomical Society twice. He made significant contributions to photography, investigating color processes, and even coined the term 'photography'. His literary style, especially within 'Preliminary Discourse', is marked by clarity and a didactic intention, intending to guide and inspire future scientific thought. His work remains a key document in the history of science, mapping out the territory for the research and technologies that followed. Herschel's legacy transcends his written work, marked as much by his discoveries and inventions as by his literary contributions to the field of natural philosophy.