the Great Congress of Philosophers at Berlin. 231 



him ta this exalted object of physical study, and has raised 

 him to general scientific investigation, belongs principally to 

 this society. Important as it is not to break that link which 

 embraces equally the investigation of organic and inorganic 

 nature, still the increasing ties and daily developement of 

 this institution renders it necessary, besides the general meet- 

 ing which is destined for these halls, to have specific meetings 

 for single branches of science. For it is only in such con- 

 tracted circles, — it is only among men whom reciprocity of 

 studies has brought together, that verbal discussions can take 

 place : Without this sort of communication, would the volun- 

 tary association of men in search of truth be deprived of an in- 

 spiring principle. 



Among the preparations which are made in this city for the 

 advancement of the society, attention has been principally paid 

 to the possibility of such a subdivision into sections. The hope 

 that these preparations will meet with your approbation im- 

 poses upon me the duty of reminding you, that, although you 

 had entrusted to two travellers, equally, the duty of making 

 these arrangements, yet it is to one alone, my noble friend, 

 M. Lichten stein that the merit of careful precaution and in- 

 defatigable activity is due. Out of respect to the scientific 

 spirit which animates the Society of German Naturalists and 

 Natural Philosophy, and in acknowledgment of the utility of 

 their efforts, government have seconded all our wishes with 

 the greatest cheerfulness. 



In the vicinity of the place of meeting, which has in this 

 manner been prepared for our general and special labours, are 

 situated the museums dedicated to anatomy, zoology, oryc- 

 tognosy, and geology. They exhibit to the naturalist a rich 

 mine for observation and critical discussion. The greater num- 

 ber of these well arranged collections have existed, like the 

 University of Berlin, scarcely twenty years. The oldest of 

 them, to which the Botanical Garden (one of the richest in Eu- 

 rope) belongs, have during this period not only been increas- 

 ed, but entirely remodelled. The amusement and instruction 

 derived from such institutions call to our minds, with deep 

 feelings of gratitude, that they are the work of that great mo- 

 narch, who modestly and in simple grandeur, adorns every year 



