339 
CHAP. IL. 
ON THE NATIONAL PATRONAGE OF SCIENCE IN OTHER 
COUNTRIES, AS COMPARED TO ITS NEGLECT BY THE 
BRITISH GOVERNMENT.—THE CAUSES WHICH PRODUCE 
THIS NEGLECT, AND THE EXPEDIENCY OF REMOVING 
THEM. 
(238.) Tue facts detailed in the last chapter being 
admitted, because they are notoriously undeniable, 
we come then to the following questions: —1. Is 
such a state of things peculiar to England, or com- 
mon to other nations? 2. Does abstract science, 
more particularly zoology, stand in need of any 
peculiar or national encouragement? and, 3. What 
are the causes which operate to its neglect? By dis- 
cussing these questions impartially and dispassion- 
ately, we shall then be prepared to form a sound 
opinion, whether science, among us, is.in a healthy 
state; and whether, in truth, it is advancing, qui- 
escent, or retrograding. On a subject in every way 
so important and interesting, we have much fear, 
after the able manner in which it has already been 
treated, of not doing justice to the cause we advo- 
cate. But the general sense of any body of men can 
only be gathered from the expression of individual 
opinions; and although some of these will be more 
eloquent, and the reasons assigned more convincing, 
than others; yet, if they advocate the same general 
principles, and concur in the same sentiments, the 
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