THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION. 831 



Governor Wolcott and flavor Quincj, in regard to the obligations of 

 scientific men to use their attainments and diffuse their results for 

 the advantage of societv. " Science," said the former, " would be 

 less worthy of our regard if its benefits were confined to a single 

 class; but it is open to all." 



There are some, perhaps, who feel that the dignity of science is 

 compromised by the popular diffusion of its facts and results. This 

 idea has an ancient flavor, of mysteries and arcana belonging to a 

 learned caste, and too high and sacred for the " profanum vuJgus." 

 But it has no right, and should find no tolerance, in this day, and above 

 all in this country of equal rights and free institutions. Even were it 

 not, however, so unmodern and so un-American, it would be impos- 

 sible now to carry out. The question is only between the diffusion of 

 scientific information among the general public by men of character 

 and attainment, or by shallow and sensational charlatans. Happily, 

 the great majority of scientists recognize and accept their high re- 

 sponsibility and privilege in this regard. But there is a danger and 

 a tendency, among some, to overlook it or to disregard it, and to 

 such the truth should be plainly spoken, while to all it may safely 

 be reiterated. 



The American Association for the Advancement of Science em- 

 bodies this very idea, of diffusing and familiarizing scientific studies 

 and results, under mse direction, among the intelligent and inter- 

 ested portion of the public. It has accomplished this result as no 

 other agency has or could, while its organization is such that it is 

 absolutely guarded against any lowering of its tone. Any person 

 interested sufficiently to subscribe to the very moderate fees is 

 eligible to membership, while the entire direction and control rest 

 with the " fellows," who are students and workers of assured stand- 

 ing in science. Thus organized, it affords the amplest opportunities 

 to the humblest lover of science to learn and to rise, while its officers 

 and directors are men of professional reputation, jealous for its 

 dignity and its influence. 



In its migratory character, also, facilities for this result are 

 admirably secured. ^^Tot only do the meetings in different cities 

 afford especially favorable opportunities to the members for studying 

 the geological, botanical, and other natural features of many parts 

 of the country, and for visiting collections, museums, and libraries 

 which ordinarily they might never see, but every meeting of the asso- 

 ciation gives an immense stimulus to scientific interest among the resi- 

 dents of the place \dsited, and leaves a permanent impression on the 

 community. Quiet local students and workers are called into promi- 

 nence and " honored in their own country " ; beginners in science 

 are quickened and encouraged; and local societies find themselves 



