Fundamentals of Botany

An introductory course of study in botany should do at least six things for the student 1. Teach him the fundamental elementary facts con- cerning plant life. 2. Acquaint him with the broad, illuminating generaliza- tions, and with the theories and working hypotheses which have been formulated on the solid basis of observed fact. 3. Familiarize him with the methods of thought and work by means of which the science has been and is being advanced. 4. Give him some acquaintance with the great names in the history of the science, so that he may view our present body of knowledge in true perspective 5. Impress upon him the present limitations of our knowledge, and acquaint him with some of the more important problems awaiting solution. 6. Enlist his interest in the science by so presenting it as to make him sense its importance and value to human life in general, and to his own life in particular, and thereby stimulate him to pursue the study further.