Meeting of British Association. 397 



the Legislature aud the State, will more and more recognize the 

 claims of Science to their attention ; so that it may no longer 

 require the begging box, but speak to the State, like a favoured 

 child to its parent, sure of his parental solicitude for its welfare ; 

 that the State will recognize in Science one of its elements of 

 strength and prosperity, to foster which the clearest dictates of 

 self-interest demand. 



HUMBOLDT. 



If the activity of this Association, such as I have endeavoured 

 to describe it, ever found or could find its personification in one 

 individual — its incarnation, as it were, — this had been found in 

 that distinguished and revered philosopher who has been removed 

 from amongst us in his ninetieth year, within these last few 

 months. Alexander von Humboldt incessantly strove after do- 

 minion over that universality of human knowledge which stands 

 in need of thoughtful government and direction to preserve its 

 integrity ; he strove to tie up the fasces of scientific knowledge 

 to give them sirength in units. He treated all scientific men as 

 members of one family, enthusiastically directing, fostering, and 

 encouraging enquiry, where he saw either the want of, or the 

 willingness for it. His protection of the young and ardent stu- 

 dent, led many to success in their pursuit. His personal influence 

 with the Courts and Governments of most countries in Europe 

 enabled him to plead the cause of Science in a manner which 

 made it more difficult for them to refuse than to grant what he 

 requested. All lovers of science deeply mourn for the loss of 

 such a man. Gentlemen, it is a singular coincidence, that this 

 very day on which we are here assembled, and are thus giving 

 expression to our admiration of him, should be the anniversary 

 of his birth. 



ADVANTAGES OF THE ASSOCIATION. 



To return to ourselves, howe er : one part of the functions of 

 the Association can receive no personal representation, no incar- 

 nation : I mean the very fact of meetings like that which we are 

 at present inaugurating. This is not the thoughtful direction of 

 one mind over acquired knowledge, but the production of new 

 thought by the contact of many minds, as the spark is produced 

 by the friction of flint and steel ; it is not the action of the mon- 

 archy of a paternal Government, but the republican activity of 

 the Roman Forum. These Meetings draw forth the philosopher 

 from the hidden recesses of his study, call in the wanderer over 



