THE PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. 109 



ardent and energetic as they are, rarely have had that early training 

 in the elements of science which fits them for taking up any special 

 line of research. The young microscopist finds himself at starting- 

 confronted by difficulties in the pursuit of any special investigation, 

 frequently arising from the want of that mere elementary know- 

 ledge in science, which might readily have been imparted to him at 

 school, but which, alas ! has been totally neglected. He has the 

 tools, the tools of marvellous power, and he is incapable of turn- 

 ing them to account, because he knows nothing whatever of 

 the elements of any science in which he ardently desires to com- 

 mence a research, and finds that he must pass through the drudgery 

 of these elements ere he can start on his career of investigation. 

 He is thus disheartened, and his instrument too often remains in 

 his hands, simply a splendid toy. Happily these times are passing 

 away — the days of exclusive classical teaching are numbered. 

 Science is gradually making its way into our schools, and I trust 

 that the coming generation will go forth into the world better pre- 

 pared for promoting the progress of science, and its application to 

 the material interests of mankind. Improved education lies at 

 the root of all our progress. This, however, is not the place to 

 enter on the educational question, though, necessarily, associations 

 like ours feel a deep interest in it, and are largely affected by it in 

 their influence for good. While, however, I have been pointing 

 out what, in my opinion, the Quekett may do more than it already 

 has done, I wish clearly to be understood as in no way expressing a 

 censure on its proceedings ; on the contrary, it has already done 

 much if it has only fostered a taste for microscopic research, and 

 cheered on the student to pursue a career which, unaided, would 

 have led to nothing ; and if any words which I have dropped this 

 evening can in any way promote its usefulness, my object has been 

 attained. The club was prosperous when I had the honour of being 

 elected to preside over it, and it is a source of pleasure and pride 

 to me that, thanks to the able assistance of my colleagues in the 

 Council, to whom all the merit is due, I hand it over to my 

 successor in a no less efficient condition than it was entrusted to 

 me. Gentlemen, I thank you for the kindness with which I have 

 at all times been treated when I have come among you, and for the 

 very friendly assistance which every one has so fully given me in 

 my year of office. Wishing the club a prosperous and successful 

 career, I take my leave. 



Journ. Q. M. C. No. 12. i 



