Obrazy na stronie
PDF
ePub

A

SHORT ACCOUNT

OF

THE LIFE

OF

JAMES FERGUSON,

F. R. S.

WRITTEN BY HIMSELF.

LONDON:

WHITTAKER, TREACHER, AND ARNOT

AVE-MARIA-LANE.

MDCCCXXX.

THE brief self-written "Memoirs" of James Ferguson supply so remarkable a testimony of the vigour of native intellect under circumstances of the greatest depression, that it is unnecessary to say a word upon their claim to a place in this series. To the rising generation, in particular, nothing can be more salutary than a contemplation of the perseverance and ingenuity with which inherent strength of mind will often conquer the apparently most insurmountable difficulties. It is not necessary in this place to decide upon the correctness of Dr Johnson's assertion, that genius is general capability accidentally directed in a particular channel; or to canvass that of the modern phrenologists, that nature has physically modified the human caput for the developement of peculiar aptitudes. In either case it is pleasant to be convinced, that mental energy will often break through a cloud of adverse enthralments, and—as in the instance of the peasant-boy Ferguson-conduct to comparative elevation and general respect.

« PoprzedniaDalej »