“ 
ON THE MAGNETIC INTENSITY OF THE EARTH, 85 
paralléles de 40° et 75° de latitude boreale, il ne me semble pas 
une demande trop grande ou immodeste a |’Angleterre, si 
grande, si riche, si puissante, qui a nécessairement un plus 
grand intérét dans toutes les sciences combinées avec la navi- 
gation, de fournir toute la partie méridionale de la carte. Une 
telle entreprise doit réfléchir une splendeur ala nation, et payera 
a la fin les frais par des résultats aussi utiles pour les sciences 
que pour la navigation. I] ne faut plus dans notre tems laisser 
Yavancement des sciences au hasard. Par des observations 
fragmentaires et discontinués on a taché avec grande peine 
d@étudier les phénoménes magnétiques de la terre pendant deux 
ou trois siécles. Par deux ou trois expéditions litéraires, ar- 
rangées exprés pour ce but, on pourrait en peu d’années avoir 
une collection plus compléte, et d’une plus grande utilité pour 
la théorie.” 
The subject has in every way a claim on this country. The 
existence of four governing centres, and the system of the pha- 
nomena in correspondence therewith, was originally a British 
discovery. The sagacity of our countryman Halley was the 
first to penetrate through the complexity of the phenomena, 
and to discern what is now becoming generally recognised. En- 
gland was also the first country which sent an expedition ex- 
pressly for magnetic observation, namely, that of Halley in 1698 
and 1699. Whilst approving and cordially co-operating in 
magnetic inquiries of other kinds which have their origin in 
other countries, it is right that we should feel a peculiar in- 
terest in that in which we have ourselves led the way, espe- 
cially when its object is subordinate to none. 
As the research would require to be prosecuted in the high 
latitudes, a familiarity with the navigation of such latitudes 
would be important in the person who should undertake this 
service; and a strong individual interest in the subject itself 
would be of course a most valuable qualification. I need 
scarcely say that the country possesses a naval officer in whom 
these qualifications unite in a remarkable degree with all others 
that are requisite ; and if fitting instruments make fitting times, 
none surely can be better than the present. 
Viewed in itself and in its various relations, the magnetism 
of the earth cannot be counted less than one of the most im- 
portant branches of the physical history of the planet we in- 
habit ; and we may feel quite assured, that the completion of 
our knowledge of its distribution on the surface of the earth, 
would be regarded by our cotemporaries and by posterity as 
a fitting enterprise of a maritime people ; and a worthy achieve- 
ment of a nation which has ever sought to rank foremost in 
every arduous and honourable undertaking. 
. 
