30 BRITISH ASSOCIATION. 



observation be of more extensive application than at first sight ap- 

 peares ? and if it be true that where we dwell constantly in large cities 

 tlie mind is liable to be led astray by the habitual contemplation of the 

 works of man, forced upon it imperceptibly by the continual suc- 

 cession of ideas — all of the same character — all originathig in objects 

 which have been shaped and fashioned by man, may it not also be 

 true that it is equally liable to be led astray where it concentrates its 

 whole attention, and exerts its whole energy without relaxation in 

 the contemplation of the greatest of all human works, that which 

 the labour of so many centuries has raised up — the structure of the 

 abstract sciences ? And if that be so, what more calculated to un- 

 bend the mind, and to divert for a season the current of ideas into 

 other channels, than these periodical meetings, where, in the proceed- 

 ings of every section, matter will be found of the deepest interest to 

 every true philosopher ; and where, however dissimilar the facts, however 

 varied the inferences, the results will everywhere be still the same — that 

 of putting forward more prominently in bold relief the wonderful works of 

 creation ? 1 1 appears to me, if I may presume to offer an opinion on such 

 a subject, that the continual progress of discovery is destined to answer 

 objects far more imi)ortant than the mere improvement of the temporal 

 condition of man. Were there a limit to scientific discovery, and 

 had we reached that limit, we should be in the condition of a man 

 who, with the most splendid landscape before hhn, was insensible of 

 its beauty because the charm of novelty had passed away. Eacli 

 successive discovery, as it brings us nearer to first principles, opens 

 out to our view a new and more splendid prospect, and the mind, led 

 away by its charm, is carried beyond and far above the petty and 

 ephemeral contests of life : but the more rapid the discoveries are, the 

 more powerful the charm, and therefore great is the motive for exer- 

 tion ; and in labouring in this cause there is this gratifying reflection, 

 that our labours cannot injure our successors, for the region of discovery 

 is rich beyond the powers of conception ; and however much we may 

 draw from it we shall not leave its treasures exhausted — no, not even 

 diminished, because they are infinite." 



