8 NOTES BY THE EDITOR 



which is to be expected under the action of the charity commissioners 

 in the system of our old grammar schools ; the spontaneous action of 

 our old universities, not superseded, but facilitated and stimulated, by 

 parliamentary interposition ; these and such like changes which are 

 taking place, partly within the bosom of society itself, and partly by 

 the action of government, will shortly provide such means of scien- 

 tific education, although not systematized with the exactness of con- 

 tinental organization, as will, after our rough English fashion, 

 adequately provide for all our wants in that respect, and give us no 

 cause to lament over any deficiencies in practical results. 



" But will there be encouragement to make use of these facilities ? 

 Are there rewards in prospect, whether of direct emolument or social 

 consideration, which will induce men ' to wear out nights, and live 

 laborious days,' in a service which has hitherto, in the world's eye at 

 least, appeared often to be ill requited ? Now, the real stimulant to 

 science has at all times been the delights of the pursuit itself, and 

 the consciousness of the great services rendered to humanity by every 

 conquest within the domain of truth ; but still these questions may 

 fairly demand an answer. To the questions of pecuniary rewards, I 

 will presently advert. They have certainly been miserably inadequate ; 

 but in regard to social considerations, I think there has existed some 

 misunderstanding. It has been often asserted, and made the subject 

 of lamentation or complaint, that men of science do not enjoy in this 

 free country the consideration which they do in some countries less 

 favored otherwise in their institutions than ourselves. Now, if by this 

 it is intended to express that men of science are not made Knights of 

 the Garter or peers of parliament ; that they are not often met with in 

 the hearts of wealth and fashion ; that they are not called into the 

 councils of their sovereign, or sent to represent her in foreign courts, 

 I admit the fact ; but, then, I doubt whether these are the natural or 

 fitting objects of ambition to the scientific man : and if it is intended 

 by the assertion that they are not, as a class or individuals, appreci- 

 ated by their fellow-citizens for their genius and honored for their ser- 

 vices, I cannot so fully admit the fact. I would ask any of those 

 whose presence adorns this meeting, Do they not find that their names 

 are a passport into any society, the proudest in the land ? Whose 

 doors that are worth entering are not open to them ? There are cer- 

 tain advantages, superficially considered, which will always belong to 

 mere wealth or power ; but are they such as the lover of science can 

 bring himself to envy or desire ? Wherever he is known, he is honored. 



" Still, however, in regard to science, I must admit that there is one 



great deficiency. For often may it be said of science, as it was said 



'satirically of virtue by the poet, Laudatur et alget, It is praised and 



