21 



are still other matters to which I -vvoukl have alluded had the 

 time pennitted, — especially the desirableness of having any 

 specimens of particular interest or value met with in the Bath 

 district, and relating either to its Natural History or Antiquities, 

 deposited in the museum of this Institution. But I have said 

 enougli already ; and to treat of this matter as it requires would 

 necessitate my dilating a little on the subject of museums in 

 general, which I reserve for another occasion, when I may 

 perhaps bring it under your notice. What I have stated now is 

 offered simply in the way of suggestions — so far as my sugges- 

 tions may be of any service, — tov;ards placing the Club upon a 

 good footing so as to insure its usefulness, and stimulating its 

 members to do what they can for promoting the objects for which 

 it was originally established. 



And let us not be discouraged if, for a time at least, we reap 

 but little fruit : 



" Est quadam prodire tenus si non datur ultra." 



It is observed by the great Cu^aer, that the " natural sciences 

 are but collections of facts, and our theories only formulae for 

 embracing a large number of them : hence it follows, that the 

 smallest fact, if well-ascertained, ought to be preserved, — since, 

 if new, it may serve to modify our most approved theories ; the 

 most simple observation may overthrow the most ingeniously- 

 constructed system, and open our eyes to a long train of discoveries, 

 which had previously been concealed from view by received 

 formulae."* 



With these words I conclude. We may not any of us attain to 

 that high position in the ranks of science which Cuvier occupied, 

 and which so many other distinguished men have earned by their 

 respective discoveries as well in our own day as in times past. 

 But we may do enough to entitle us to the thanks of those who 



* Hist, des Prog, des Sci. Nat. torn. 1, p. 5. 



