Baron Kumboldt's Speech at the opening of 



ther to this assembly. Everywhere, where the German lan- 

 guage is used, and its peculiar structure affects the spirit and 

 disposition of the people. From the Great European Alps to 

 the other side of the Weichsel, where, in the country of Co- 

 pernicus, astronomy rose to renewed splendour ; everywhere 

 in the extensive dominions of the German nation we attempt 

 to discover the secret operations of nature, whether in the 

 heavens, or in the deepest problems of mechanics, or in the in- 

 terior of the earth, or in the finely woven tissues of organic 

 structure. 



Protected by noble princes, this assembly has annually in- 

 creased in interest and extent. Every distinction which diffe- 

 rence of religion or form of government can occasion is here 

 annulled. Germany manifests itself as it were in its intellec- 

 tual unity ; and since knowledge of truth and performance of 

 duty are the highest object of morality, that feeling of unity 

 weakens none of the bonds which the religion, constitution, 

 and laws of our country, have rendered dear to each of us. 

 Even this emulation in mental struggles has called forth (as 

 the glorious history of our country tells us,) the fairest blos- 

 soms of humanity, science, and art. 



The assembly of German naturalists and natural philoso- 

 phers since its last meeting, when it was so hospitably received 

 at Munich, has, through the flattering interest of neighbour- 

 ing States and Academies, shone with peculiar lustre. Allied 

 nations have renewed the ancient alliance between Germany 

 and the ancient Scandinavian North. 



Such an interest deserves acknowledgment the more, be- 

 cause it unexpectedly increases the mass of facts and opinions 

 which are here brought into one common and useful union. It 

 also recalls lofty recollections into the mind of the naturalist. 

 Scarcely half a century has elapsed since Linne appears in the 

 boldness of the undertakings which he has attempted and ac- 

 complished, as one of the greatest men of the last century. 

 His glory, however bright, has not rendered Europe blind to 

 the merits of Scheele and Bergman. The catalogue of these 

 great names is not completed ; but lest I shall offend noble 

 modesty, I dare not speak of the light which is still flowing 

 in richest profusion from the North, nor mention the disco- 



