“1871.  When astronomers compare observations made by different persons, they cannot neglect the constitutional peculiarities of the individuals, and there enters into these computations a quantity called ’personal equation.’  In common terms, it is that difference between two individuals from which results a difference in the time which they require to receive and note an occurrence.  If one sees a star at one instant, and records it, the record of another, of the same thing, is not the same.

“It is true, also, that the same individual is not the same at all times; so that between two individuals there is a mean or middle individual, and each individual has a mean or middle self, which is not the man of to-day, nor the man of yesterday, nor the man of to-morrow; but a middle man among these different selves....

* * * * *

“We especially need imagination in science.  It is not all mathematics, nor all logic, but it is somewhat beauty and poetry.

“There will come with the greater love of science greater love to one another.  Living more nearly to Nature is living farther from the world and from its follies, but nearer to the world’s people; it is to be of them, with them, and for them, and especially for their improvement.  We cannot see how impartially Nature gives of her riches to all, without loving all, and helping all; and if we cannot learn through Nature’s laws the certainty of spiritual truths, we can at least learn to promote spiritual growth while we are together, and live in a trusting hope of a greater growth in the future.

“...  The great gain would be freedom of thought.  Women, more than men, are bound by tradition and authority.  What the father, the brother, the doctor, and the minister have said has been received undoubtingly.  Until women throw off this reverence for authority they will not develop.  When they do this, when they come to truth through their investigations, when doubt leads them to discovery, the truth which they get will be theirs, and their minds will work on and on unfettered.

[1874.] “I am but a woman!

“For women there are, undoubtedly, great difficulties in the path, but so much the more to overcome.  First, no woman should say, ’I am but a woman!’ But a woman!  What more can you ask to be?

“Born a woman—­born with the average brain of humanity—­born with more than the average heart—­if you are mortal, what higher destiny could you have?  No matter where you are nor what you are, you are a power—­your influence is incalculable; personal influence is always underrated by the person.  We are all centres of spheres—­we see the portions of the sphere above us, and we see how little we affect it.  We forget the part of the sphere around and before us—­it extends just as far every way.

“Another common saying, ‘It isn’t the way,’ etc.  Who settles the way?  Is there any one so forgetful of the sovereignty bestowed on her by God that she accepts a leader—­one who shall capture her mind?