The Scottish Naturalist. 131 



entitle to most of those privileges of the Association that are valued by the 

 public. 



(6) The rec«ption-room, as well as the sections, public discourses, conversa- 

 zioni, and excursions, constitute an interesting psychological study. The student 

 can compare his ideal with the reality : he has an opportunity of investigating 

 the much-heard of ' ' eccentricities of genius'* : and he may engage himself amu- 

 singly in observations on the "Natural History of Bores," — social as well as 

 scientific — of reformers, enthusiasts, hobbyists, and visionaries of all kinds ! 



(b) Questionable. 



(1) The Meetings of the "British Association" are a pleasant— if not profit- 

 able — means of social and scientific dissipation. But the dissipation is so con- 

 tinuous, and so concentrated, that it becomes a positive nuisance — a weariness 

 to the flesh and spirit— to perhaps nine-tenths of those who take a full share in 

 the proceedings — the full value of their ticket. 



(2) Such meetings constitute, apparently, an attractive means of diffusing 

 scientific information among the general public : less, however, perhaps, by 

 means of the papers read, than by the objects displayed at the sections, exhibi- 

 tions, conversazioni, and excursions. 



(3) There is a straining after sensationalism or novelty— even in matters of 

 science — which, while it may serve its immediate ad captandum purpose, is apt 

 to overshoot its mark, and bring ridicule both on science and the Association — 

 the cultivators of the one — the members, or attenders, or supporters, of the other. 

 This remark must be held, unfortunately, to apply to the President's suggestion 

 about germ-bearing aerolites— a suggestion which throws no light on "the ori- 

 gin of life," and has been the subject merely of derisive criticism by all sections 

 of the press and public. 



(4) It is to be hoped that a certain amount of real work is achieved— for 

 instance, by means of the committees appointed by the general council for 

 special investigation. But, on the other hand, it must be borne in mind that all 

 the greatest achievements of science have been the fruits of individual ox personal 

 effort and enterprise— unsolicited, and for the most part unaided. The "British 

 Association " was established "for the advancement of science" : or, more speci- 

 fically, its objects are — (i( "to give a stronger impulse, and a more systematic 

 direction, to scientific inquiry : (2) to promote the intercourse of those who cul- 

 tivate science in different parts of the British Empire with one another, and with 

 foreign philosophers : (3) to obtain more general attention for the objects of science, 

 and the removal of any disadvantages of a public kind which impede its pro- 

 gress." That certain of these objects are fairly attained there can be no doubt, 

 though whether they are so by the best possible machinery is open to question. 

 That all these aims are fully realised can scarcely be asserted : and some of the 

 reasons why may be found in the next and longer category of disadvantages or 

 defects attending the operations of the Association. On the whole, however, 

 the good attained may be sufficient to justify the existence of the Association, 

 and to warrant and repay the patronage or attention that are bestowed upon it. 



II. DISADVANTAGES. 



(1) There is a superfluity of mere Talk. There are too many would-be 

 "Admirable Crichtons," who are prepared to talk — and who do not scruple to 

 talk — on any and every subject, social or scientific ! 



