378 Royal Irish Academy, 



state of science in each of its leading subdivisions, do not exactly 

 meet the want to which I have alluded ; because, upon the whole, 

 they aim rather at condensing into one view the ultimate conclusions 

 of scientific men in general, than at diffusing the fame and light of 

 individual scientific genius, by selecting some few great foreign 

 works, and making known at home their method as well as their re- 

 sults. Besides, we must remember, that far as that colossal Asso- 

 ciation exceeds the body to which we belong, in numbers, wealth, 

 and influence, yet in plan it is less comprehensive ; since it restricts 

 itself to science exclusively, while we aspire, as I have said, to com- 

 prehend nearly the whole sphere of thought, — at least of thought 

 as applied to merely human things : in making which last reservation, 

 I shall not, I hope, be supposed wanting in reverence for things 

 more sacred and divine. 



With that powerful and good Association, however, we should en- 

 deavour to continue always on our present, or if possible, on closer 

 terms of amicable relation. I need not say that we should also 

 aim to preserve and improve our friendly relations with all the 

 other Scientific, Literary, and Antiquarian Societies, of these and 

 of foreign countries. Especially we ought to regard, with a kind 

 of fihal feeling of respect and love, the Royal Society of London — 

 that central and parent institution, from which so many others 

 have sprung ; over which Newton once presided ; and in which our 

 own Brinkley wrote. While feelings of this sort are vigilantly 

 guarded, and public and private jealousies excluded vigilantly, a 

 vast and almost irresistible moral weight belongs to companies 

 like these, of studious men ; and, amid the waves of civil affairs, 

 the gentle voice of mind makes itself heard at last. Societies such as 

 ours, if they do their duty well, and fulfil, so far as in them lies, 

 their own high purpose, become entitled to be regarded as being, 

 on all purely intellectual and unpolitical questions, hereditary 

 counsellors of crown and nation. The British Association has al- 

 ready made applications to government with success, for the ac- 

 complishment of scientific objects ; and I am not without hopes 

 that our own recent memorial, for the printing, at the public ex- 

 pense, of some valuable manuscripts in our possession, adapted to 

 throw light on history, and interesting in an especial degree to us 

 as Irishmen, will receive a favourable consideration. 



On the present occasion, which to me is solemn, and to you not 

 unimportant, I may be pardoned for expressing, in conclusion, the 

 pleasure which it gives me to believe, that while we cautiously abs- 

 tain from introducing polemics or poUtics, or whatever else might 

 cause an angry feeling in this peaceful and happy society, some great 

 and fundamental principles, of duty to Heaven and to the state, are 

 universally recognised amongst us. Admitted at an early age to join 

 your body, I now have known you long, and hope to know you 

 longer ; but have never seen the day, and trust that I shall never 

 see it, when piety to God, or loyalty to the Sovereign, shall be out 

 of fashion here. 



