XXXil REPORT— 1849. 
sole labourer in the mine, much of its wealth would be lost: it may be too 
vast to be explored by the power of one mind, or within the limits of one 
life ; or it may require aids and appliances which solitary individuals do not 
possess: to say nothing of what is still more important,—the increase of 
energy which flows from the sympathy and admiration of a multitude. It 
is not too much to say, that the progress of mankind in science during the 
two centuries to which I refer, far exceeded what had been made during the 
fifty-six that preceded them: yet the force which impelled it was only par- 
tially and imperfectly exerted, and it was soon felt to be capable of far wider 
application. In this stage of its action the principle of association had ope- 
rated on only a few mighty spirits whom the sense of kindred pursuits and 
powers linked together ; but from whom their very transcendence kept their 
humbler fellows at a reverential distance. It was necessary that these also 
should be included in its bond :—and the age of Societies began. By con- 
densing into a multitude of local centres the activity which was weakened in 
its diffusion, that privilege of labouring to extend the boundaries of know- 
ledge, which had been the glory of a chosen few, was extended to a multitude; 
societies devoted to this object arose in different countries, varying in con- 
stitution and form, but all emanating from the same necessity of bringing 
united exertion to bear on what every passing year showed to be among 
the noblest objects of human existence. And in this they were eminently 
successful :—strong in numbers, they were stronger in local concentration ; 
their definite and permanent organization was a source of life and power ; and 
the visible results of their activity were manifest to the world. In many in- 
stances they acquired a legal and corporate existence, which gave them a 
hold on general opinion and even on governments ; their pecuniary resources 
and moral weight afforded them the means of researches beyond the reach 
of ordinary inquirers ; and their exclusive character, whether limited by 
election or by appointment, by making it an object of ambition to belong to 
them, gained for their pursuits a popularity which their intrinsic worth might — 
not so soon have won. A still more—perhaps their most—important feature 
is the principle of systematic publication, the value of which has gone on 
increasing to the present hour, and cannot be overrated. Their Transactions 
gave to the world not merely casual observations, which might otherwise 
have perished, but elaborate investigations, which probably would never 
have found a publisher in the ordinary course of trade,—perhaps never have 
been undertaken had not this channel been open to their authors. It would 
be foreign to my purpose, even were it possible, to give you an account of 
the philosophical societies which have flourished, not merely in Europe, but 
in some of the most distant regions which her sons have reached as colonists 
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