BARO^^ VON HUMBOLDT. 31 



of our institution, lead us naturally to the obstruc- 

 tions which will arise from the increasing number 

 of our fellow-labourers. The chief object of this 

 assembly does not consist, as in other societies whose 

 sphere is more limited, in the mutual interchange 

 of treaties, or in innumerable memoirs, destined to 

 be printed in some general collection. The princi- 

 pal object of this Society is to bring those personally 

 together who are engaged in the same field of science. 

 It is the immediate, and therefore more obvious in- 

 terchange of ideas, whether they present themselves 

 as facts, opinions, or doubts. It is the foundation 

 of friendly connection which throws light on science, 

 adds cheerfulness to life, and gives patience and 

 amenity to the manners. 



'•' In the most flourishing period of ancient Greece, 

 the distinction between w^ords and writing first 

 manifested itself most strongly amongst a race, 

 which had raised itself to the most splendid intel- 

 lectual superiority, and to whose latest descendants, 

 as preserved from the shipwreck of nations, we still 

 consecrate our most anxious wishes. It was not the 

 difficulty of interchange of ideas alone, nor the want 

 of German science, which has spread thought as on 

 wings through the world, and insured it a long con- 

 tinuance, that then induced the friends of philosophy 

 and natural history in Magna Grsecia and Asia 

 Minor to wander on long journeys. That ancient 

 race knew the inspiring influence of conversation as 

 it extemporaneously, freely and prudently penetrates 

 the tissue of scientific opinions and doubts. The 



