428 STUDY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 
CHAPTER IV. 
SUGGESTIONS FOR THE REFORM AND IMPROVEMENT OF 
OUR SCIENTIFIC "SOCIETIES. 
(295.) We have enlarged, in the preceding chapter, 
upon those means possessed by the government 
and the universities for giving a new impulse to the 
science of Britain; because no renovation can be 
complete and effective, which does not commence 
from these sources. The organisation of our scien- 
tific societies, however, is a subject of some moment ; 
because, unless we ourselves evince a disposition 
for improvement, we cannot expect assistance from 
higher quarters. To expose defects, and to animad- 
vert upon the proceedings of such institutions, is 
at all times an ungracious task; yet experience has 
shown, that it is most necessary. Imperfection 
attaches to every thing human; and we are most 
ignorant of that imperfection, in proportion as we 
turn away from advice, and disregard the opinions 
of others. Now, where there is a disposition in the 
majority to think correctly and to act wisely, we 
are more disposed to treat with indulgence existing 
defects, than to expatiate upon their universal pre- 
valence ; preferring, at all times, dispassionate reason 
to bitter declamation and general sarcasm. We, 
therefore, leave to others the exposition of existing 
or assumed abuses ; contenting ourselves with touch- 
