THE SCIENCE OF ASTRONOMY. 297 



forth by observatories and scientific institutions. The desire for publi- 

 cation is great, but the results should be well discussed and arranged, 

 so that the printing may be shortened. Otherwise our publications may 

 become burdensome, and when they are piled up in libraries some 

 future Caliph Omar may be tempted to burn them. Even mathematics 

 appears to labor under a similar oppression, and much of its printed 

 matter may be destined to molder to useless dust. 



In the not distant future stellar astronomy will become a great 

 and interesting field of research. The data for the motions of the stars 

 are becoming better known, but these motions are slow, and the 

 astronomer of to-day looks with envy on the astronomer of a thousand 

 years hence, when time will have developed these motions. Much may 

 be done by the steady and careful work of observation and discussion, 

 and the accumulation of accurate data. Here each one of us can add 

 his mite. But the great steps of progress in science have come from 

 the efforts of individuals. Schools and universities help forward 

 knowledge by giving to many students opportunities to learn the present 

 conditions, and from them some genius like Lagrange or Gauss may 

 come forth to solve hard questions, and to break the paths for future 

 progress. This is about all the schools can do. We need a body of men 

 who can give their lives to quiet and continuous study. When the 

 young Laplace was helped to a position where he could devote his life 

 to research D'Alembert did more for the progress of astronomy than 

 all the universities of Europe. 



One needs only to glance at history to see how useful astronomy has 

 been in the life of the world. It has wonderfully enlarged the universe, 

 and widened the views of men. It shows how law and order pervade 

 the world in which we live ; and by the knowledge it has disseminated 

 and by its predictions it has banished many superstitions and fears. 

 The sciences will continue to grow; and they will exert the same 

 influence. The erroneous and dogmatic assertions of men will be 

 pushed aside. In our new country the energies of the people are 

 devoted chiefly to commercial and political ends, but wealth is accumu- 

 lating, leisure and opportunity will come, and we may look forward to 

 a great development of scientific activity. We must be patient. Men 

 do not change much from generation to generation. Nations that have 

 spent centuries in robbery and pillage retain their dispositions and 

 make it necessary for other nations to stand armed. No one knows 

 when a specious plea for extending the area of civilization may be put 

 forth, or when some fanatic may see the hand of God beckoning him 

 to seize a country. The progress of science and invention will render 

 it more difficult for such people to execute their designs. A century 

 hence it may be impossible for brutal power, however rich and great, to 

 destroy a resolute people. It is in this direction that we may look for 



