LS80.] °*'^ [T.cOnnto. 



doing. For, it is quite evident, that the rivalry for priority, 

 the embarrassments of legal proceedings, and the expendi- 

 ture of time, and the distraction of thought necessary to 

 make any invention, however meritorious, a commercial 

 success, are absolutely fatal to the accuracy and serenity 

 which are essential to investigation. But the suggestions 

 by the student of future applications of scientific principles, 

 are not seldom the gems of thought, in which are latent 

 the immense fortunes and interests created by the inventor. 



It may be truly said of the philosopher, that as soon as 

 the pecuniary or personal value of his science becomes 

 prominent in his mind, his spiritual force is weakened. He 

 is properly a coadjutor, and not a rival, to all who are en- 

 gaged in the good work. It is his duty to assist, not to sup- 

 plant. To strive for the best that is attainable, with grati- 

 tude but without desire for approbation, and also without 

 fear of censure, must be the life-law of the man of science, 

 as it must also be for the artist and for the religious teacher. 



If time permitted, I would be glad to mention to you 

 what I conceive to be the proper functions of scientific Socie- 

 ties, and the claims they have upon popular sympathy and 

 assistance. They are in a strict sense neither oral teachers nor 

 custodians ; but to use the phraseolog}'' of Smithson, so hap- 

 pily interpreted and applied by our venerable (in its true 

 sense) associate, Prof. Henry, " institutions for the increase 

 and diffusion of knowledge among men." 



I could show, by many examples, how, by departing from 

 this simple path of duty, the resources of Societies have 

 been crippled, and their usefulness paralyzed by indulging in 

 the fascinating luxuries of large museums, and ornate archi- 

 tecture. The former should be under the protection of 

 Governmental assistance, or in the care of largely endowed 



PKOC. AMER. PHILOS. SOC. XVIIT. 106. 3V. PRINTED MAY 25, 1880. 



