14 



impossible. Some, indeed, in these days do not hesitate 

 to declare their own infallibility as regards scientific doc- 

 trines, while at the same time they display the most delicate 

 — almost feminine — susceptibility if any one questions the 

 correctness of their own conclusions, and manifest the most 

 violent indignation if anyone dares to express an opinion dif- 

 fering from that which they have espoused. But science does 

 not thus teach. Science profits largely by difference of opinion, 

 and advocates the thorough examination of every step made 

 in advance. Science does not permit her followers to espouse 

 the doctrine of infallibility, and any one who displays arro- 

 gance, and boasts of his strength may be strong, indeed, and 

 very powerful, but he cannot be scientific. These remarks, 

 which apply to all science, are, as it appears to me, especially 

 applicable to microscopical science, for it is impossible that 

 our work can be too thoroughly, too minutely, or too fre- 

 quently examined and re-examined. The sooner errors are 

 exposed and correct observations confirmed the better for all. 

 And this looking out for errors, and this confirmation of ac- 

 curate statements is, as it appears to me, the very work that 

 can be most advantageously carried out by the most ad- 

 vanced of our members. The work of each would in its 

 turn be examined by others, and the exact truth would cer- 

 tainly be ascertained. If this were done microscopical ob- 

 servation would soon be very popular, and our science would 

 occupy the position in public esteem which it ought long ago 

 to have held, and it would be more generally taught than 

 heretofore. But there are, I regret to say, many circum- 

 stances which tend to prejudice people against our enquiries, 

 and which are not to be easily altered by any efforts we may 

 make to do so. To some of these I propose to advert in the 

 course of this address. 



It would be difficult, indeed, I think, to find any subject so 

 well adapted for training the mind, for the prosecution of 



