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"…we have in this genus of plants [lichens] a convincing instance of the utility which may result from the study of natural sciences in general, and even of its minuter and hitherto most neglected branches…posterity will doubtless find the means of employing them to many valuable purposes in human life unknown to us…The cultivation of that knowledge, which leads to the investigation of its subjects, cannot, therefore, but be highly useful and necessary: and altho’ the bare science of natural knowledge is of itself worthy of applause, yet it ought to be considered, in reality, as the necessary means only of applying the subjects of nature’s kingdoms to their true ends and purposes, the service of mankind. To know and distinguish, by determined and specific characters, even but a small share of that amazing multitude of objects, with which the great Parent of nature has furnished our globe, is a task far more than equal to the duration of human life. To investigate and ascertain their various qualities and uses is equally arduous and impracticable. While the naturalists, therefore, are employed in distinguishing the forms of things, let others exert the united efforts of genius and application to investigate their various properties and uses. I need not say the field for both is boundless: it doubtless will be so for ages yet to come. The hopes of discovering some latent property, which may turn out to the advantage of his fellow creatures, will animate the man, whose mind is truly formed for relishing the pleasures of natural science; and however the result may be, the inspection and contemplation of nature’s productions will ever afford that satisfaction, which will amply repay him for his trouble. The minuter, and, as they are commonly estimated, the most abject and insignificant things are not beneath our notice; and an attentive mind will readily conceive how much farther, and more extensively useful, every branch of nature’s kingdom may yet prove in the oeconomy of human life. The man, therefore, whom a genius and love for natural history has allured into its pursuits, and whose leisure permits his gratification in such researches, if he is not happy enough to be crowned with success, at least deserves it, and merits the thanks of his fellow-creatures for his application and diligence."
William Watson MD, FRS 1759: An Historical Memoir concerning a Genus of Plants called Lichen, by Micheli, Haller and Linnaeus; and comprehended by Dillenius under the terms Usnea, Coralloides, and Lichenoides : Tending principally to illustrate their several Uses. Philosophical Transactions [of the Royal Society], giving some Account of the Present Undertakings, Studies and Labours, of the Ingenious 50 (2): 652–688.
