If we now
ask them to get up their subjects not only by books and writing, but
at the same time by observation and manipulation, will they not break
down altogether? The Physical Laboratory, we are told, may perhaps be
useful to those who are going out in Natural Science, and who do
not take in Mathematics, but to attempt to combine both kinds of study
during the time of residence at the University is more than one mind
can bear.
No doubt there is some reason for this feeling. Many of us have
already overcome the initial difficulties of mathematical training.
When we now go on with our study, we feel that it requires exertion
and involves fatigue, but we are confident that if we only work hard
our progress will be certain.
Some of us, on the other hand, may have had some experience of the
routine of experimental work. As soon as we can read scales, observe
times, focus telescopes, and so on, this kind of work ceases to
require any great mental effort. We may perhaps tire our eyes and
weary our backs, but we do not greatly fatigue our minds.
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