PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS. 9 



And now, in conclusion, let me add a word or two upon the 

 advantages to be derived from the general study of nature ; pre- 

 mising that the following remarks are not original, but noted down 

 by me from an author whose name I have forgotten, but which 

 may perhaps occur to some of you. 



When we study with care and attention the order of Nature, 

 we shall find in what direction such obstacles lie in our path which 

 cannot be surmounted. It is well to know where the path is really 

 barred and where impossibilities stand in the way of research ; we 

 learn then not to waste time or effort. Marvellous things have 

 been done, for example, in the investigation of diatom valve-mark- 

 ings ; but as we all know, when we use the higher powers, dif- 

 fraction and interference of rays come in to obstruct and to hinder, 

 so much so, that some men have thought that research into these 

 cannot be possibly pushed much further. And search how we 

 may, we see fresh forms shadowing themselves forth, which we 

 vainly try to define, and of the object and purpose of which we 

 may not be able to form even an idea. But further, we are enabled 

 by experience to use those means in our research, which are 

 adequate to the purpose in hand, or which at least are not opposed 

 or ijiconsistent. And further, again, we learn to make use of the 

 easiest and most economical^ and most efficient means to accomplish 

 our end. And, lastly, we are induced to go forth into paths 

 hitherto unknoiun and tintravelled, and to make research in 

 directions unattempted and untried before. In a word, the close 

 and careful study of the order of Nature, will point to four 

 things : — i. — Where impossibilities are to be met with; 2. — What 

 are the best means to make use of; 3. — What is the best method 

 to adopt ; 4. — To encourage research. 



We are all engaged in such investigations ; we are all learners 

 from the great book of Nature ; the best of us are hardly able 

 even to spell out its great words of truths ; we all feel that we 

 have grasped but the slightest portion of the surface of the vast 

 infinitude of the microscopical world. We can but as children 

 dip only into the shallows and tiny pools that lie before us, while 

 there stretches away into the far distance the mighty ocean of 

 further marvel, wisdom, and design, still remaining unfathomed 

 and unknown. 



