XXVl SEVENTH REPORT—1837. 
political obstacles, though connected by one common tongue, were the 
objects of that great Continental Association; and that these have 
been, to a considerable extent, realized by the annual assemblages of 
the illustrious sons of Germany, is generally admitted. 
In our more united and highly-favoured land, the facilities of inter- 
course between its most distant points, the less isolated position of our 
philosophers, unquestionably render the progress of science less de- 
pendent on such general associations of its cultivators than in Ger- 
many : yet it has never been doubted, that the personal intercourse of 
men engaged in similar pursuits is favourable to the progress of philo- 
sophical investigations, by the direct assistance derived from the ex- 
perience and suggestions of others, and by fostering that generous 
emulation in the search after truth which imparts a wholesome stimulus 
to mental exertion, while it tends to smooth the asperities occasionally 
engendered by controversy, even in the abstract sciences. Men ac- 
customed to meet and act together for one great end, naturally and 
insensibly imbibe the social spirit—scientific jealousy and personal 
rivalry are softened by mutual approximations; and individuals com- 
posing the Association, like members of the same family, learn to 
temper the pursuit of personal distinction by an honest exultation in 
whatever redounds to the honour and celebrity of the body to which 
they belong. 
These advantages the British Association shares in common with 
many other societies; but it possesses characteristics peculiarly its 
own. It can scarcely reckon a period of infancy ;—it sprung at once 
from the conception of its founders, like Pallas from the head of Jove, 
in the perfection of youthful vigour—-secure in the panoply of rectitude 
of purpose against open or secret hostility. It quickly numbered in 
its ranks the élite of the philosophy of the United Kingdom; and, 
strengthened by the accession of foreign associates of distinguished 
reputation, it has extended its views beyond its original horizon, and 
has attained a colossal magnitude that distinguishes it above every 
other scientific association in the British empire. 
This Institution ought not to be considered as the rival of any of 
the previously existing philosophical establishments which give lustre 
to these kingdoms. It, indeed, receives communications on every 
branch of scientific inquiry, but it professes to publish none of the 
numerous contributions which have given rise to the interesting and 
animated discussions in its different Sections: a short abstract of these 
papers is all that it attempts to promulgate; but the distinguishing 
features of its publications are those invaluable Reports on the pro- 
