84 SEVENTH REPORT—1837. 
an hypothesis of four magnetic poles; and this, to the sugges- 
tion of new experiments to verify or disprove it. In the north- 
ern hemisphere the verification is complete, affording signal 
proof of the value of experiment directed by theory. A simi- 
lar verification in the southern hemisphere is yet wanting ; and 
the observations necessary for that purpose will also supply 
those elements of calculation whereby the hypothesis may be 
fitted for a detailed comparison with facts. ‘This will be the 
next “‘stepin the advancement of knowledge ;’—the next ‘‘ term 
of a series that must end whenever the real laws of nature are 
discovered” ;—but which, in its progression, fitly prepares the 
way for their discovery. 
i have already adverted to what the influence of the Associ- 
ation may effect, in causing the spaces yet vacant on the map, 
in the British possessions in India and Canada, to be filled. 
But beyond all comparison, the most important service of this 
kind, which this or any other country could render to this branch 
of science, would be by filling the void still existing in the 
southern hemisphere, and particularly in the vicinity of those 
parts of that hemisphere which are of principal magnetic in- 
terest. This can only be accomplished by a naval voyage; for 
which it is natural that other countries should look to England. 
That the nations that have made exertions in the same cause 
do look to England for it, cannot be better shown than by the 
following extract of a letter of M. Hansteen’s, which I take 
the liberty of introducing here, both for this purpose, and be- 
cause it expresses in so pleasing a manner, the praise that is so 
justly due to his own country, and which I am sure will be 
cordially responded to by all who cultivate science in this coun- 
try, and particularly by those who know the kindly feeling with 
which Englishmen are ever welcomed in Norway. 
** C’est le Storthing (la Chambre des Députés) de la Nor- 
vége, qui a donné les frais 4 l’expédition en Sibérie. On a fait 
cela dans un tems ot on a refusé les dépenses pour un chateau 
de résidence pour sa Majesté a Christiania. Dans un tems, oi 
une telle économie a été nécessaire, il est trés honorable, 
qu'une Chambre, composée de toutes les classes du peuple, 
méme d’un grand nombre de paysans, a unanimement résolu de 
donner les frais pour une expédition purement scientifique, 
dont les résultats n’auront jamais aucune utilité économique 
pour la patrie, et dont on ne comprenait pas la haute valeure 
scientifique. Regardé les ressources trés-bornés de notre 
pays, c’est une générosité presque sans exemple. 
**Comme la petite Norvége a fourni toutes les observations 
entre les méridiens de Greenwich et de Ochozk, et entre les 
