INFLUENCE OF SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES. 297 
case, dependent upon his own resources; he must 
associate with those of similar pursuits and studies 
with himself. He must learn to distinguish that 
which is known from that which is unknown, and 
this can only be done by a reciprocal communication 
of knowledge. Hence, the origin of all societies. 
The value of such associations is greater, perhaps, 
than at first sight it appears to be; for, besides 
those advantages just mentioned, there is another, 
without which some of the most gifted minds would 
probably remain inert and inactive. Intercourse with 
congenial spirits excites that noble and generous 
emulation which has been the impelling principle of 
some of the greatest of men; and it will ever prompt 
them to the exertion of energies never before called 
into action. Many, therefore, of the best interests 
of science are involved in the construction of these 
societies ; they exercise, in various ways, an important 
influence upon the advancement of human know- 
ledge, and they consequently demand the serious 
consideration of those who feel interested in its 
extension. The present division of our treatise 
will, therefore, be devoted to this discussion. We 
shall, in the first place, take a hasty glance at the 
present state of the physical sciences generally, and 
of zoology in particular, with the view of ascertaining 
whether or not there exist adequate means of in- 
struction or encouragement for its successful pro- 
secution. 
(206.) It cannot fail to be remarked, by those 
who watch the operations of the human mind, that 
the peculiarities of a nation may be traced in its 
public institutions. Nor, indeed, if we reflect but 
