1S80] 5<1 [LeConte. 



based upon human motives and passions and sensations ; 

 the latter endeavors to ascertain the government of the 

 Universe, and the means of conforming most perfectly to its 

 laws, by close scrutiny of what is within our scope of com- 

 prehension. In other words, the latter replaces by observa- 

 tion and classification the a priori guesses of the former. 



As the domain of knowledge became extended, a division 

 of branches of science took place, each of which has con- 

 tributed, though in unequal degree, at different times, to the 

 rapid advance of modern civilization ; and thus all are en- 

 titled to be comprised in the limits of useful knowledge. 

 Though I am free to say that some which have yielded and 

 will in future yield the most valuable results, are still re- 

 garded by the mass of the community, if not with ridicule, 

 at least with a charitable contempt for the men who waste 

 their lives in such trifling pursuits. Even as late as 1786, 

 when the Magellanic Fund of this Society was established, 

 there existed a prejudice against " mere Natural History," 

 which led to its express exclusion by the donor from the 

 benefits of his gift. 



All this is now changed. The truth of the ancient text, 

 showing the shortsightedness of the ordinary man, has again 

 been vindicated : " The stone which the builders refused is 

 become the headstone of the corner." The much despised 

 Natural History of the past generations has become the 

 Biology of the present, and rightfully reigns, by more than 

 human authority, seated in the long usurped throne of the 

 " Queen of the sciences." 



Let us now examine the various ways in which the 

 sciences have manifested their usefulness. 



You will all agree with me that first in importance must 

 be placed the higher personal education, which characterizes 



