THE RECENT PROGRESS OF PHYSICAL SCIENCE. 757 



The work whicli deserves, but I am afraid does not always receive, 

 the most credit is that in which discovery and explanation go hand in 

 hand, in which not only are new facts presented, but their relation to 

 old ones is pointed out. 



In making one's self acquainted with what has been done in any sub- 

 ject, it is good policy to consult first the writers of highest general 

 reputation. Although in scientific matters we should aim at independ- 

 ent judgment, and not rely too much upon authority, it remains true 

 that a good deal must often be taken upon trust. Occasionally an 

 observation is so simple and easily repeated that it scarcely matters 

 from whom it proceeds ; but as a rule it can hardly carry full weight 

 when put forward by a novice whose care and judgment there has been 

 opportunity of testing, and whose irresponsibility may tempt him to 

 " take shots," as it is called. Those who have had experience in accu- 

 rate work know how easy it would be to save time and trouble by 

 omitting precautions and passing over discrepancies, and yet, even 

 without dishonest intention, to convey the impression of conscientious 

 attention to details. Although the most careful and experienced can 

 not hope to escape occasional mistakes, the effective value of this kind 

 of work depends much upon the reputation of the individual respon- 

 sible for it. 



In estimating the present position and prospects of experimental 

 science, there is good ground for encouragement. The multiplication 

 of laboratories gives to the younger generation opportunities such as 

 have never existed before, and which excite the envy of those who 

 have had to learn in middle life much that now forms part of an 

 undergraduate course. As to the management of such institutions 

 there is room for a healthy difference of opinion. For many kinds of 

 original work, especially in connection with accurate measurement, 

 there is need of expensive apparatus ; and it is often diflScult to per- 

 suade a student to do his best with imperfect appliances when he 

 knows that by other means a better result could be attained with 

 greater facility. Nevertheless, it seems to me important to discourage 

 too great reliance upon the instrument-maker. Much of the best 

 original work has been done with the homeliest appliances ; and the 

 endeavor to turn to the best account the means that may be at hand 

 develops ingenuity and resource more than the most elaborate deter- 

 minations with ready-made instruments. There is danger otherwise 

 that the experimental education of a plodding student should be too 

 mechanical and artificial, so that he is puzzled by small changes of 

 apparatus much as many school-boys are puzzled by a transposition of 

 the letters in a diagram of Euclid. 



From the general spread of a more scientific education, we are war- 

 ranted in expecting important results. Just as there are some brilliant 

 literary men with an inability, or at least a distaste practically amount- 

 ing to inability, for scientific ideas, so there are a few with scientific 



