XXXVI REPORT—1849. 
anticipate, It would of course be unreasonable to expect that its career 
should be at all times equally brilliant, or that an institution, whose roots 
spread into every part of the realm, and every order of its people, can be 
free from the fluctuations by which their prosperity is ruffled. It must also be 
borne in mind, that if we adhere, as I trust we ever shall do, to our rule of 
assembling wherever we are called by the interests of science, we must oc- 
casionally visit remote and unattractive localities, where the difficulties of 
access, and the want of accommodation will discourage many from attending. 
But yet we can truly assert, that in each of these eighteen years—and 
assuredly this nineteenth will be no exception—it has added largely to our 
knowledge, and in no respect fallen short of the objects contemplated by its 
founders. These were, as stated to the original meeting at York, “ to pro- 
mote the intercourse of the cultivators of science with each other, and with 
foreign philosophers ;” ‘‘ to give a stronger impulse, and more systematic 
direction to scientific inquiry ;” “to obtain a greater degree of national 
attention to the objects of science, and a removal of the disadvantages which 
impede its progress.” 
Let me request your attention for a few moments respecting each of these, 
The first of them may perhaps be undervalued by some, or rated merely as 
an intellectual luxury. Even at that low estimate, it is above price; but it 
is of far higher import. If to visit the field of some high deed—to stand 
before the sepulchre of the illustrious dead—can fill the mind with lofty 
aspirations, and lift it to the noblest emprise, how much more shall it kindle 
in the actual presence of one of those great beings who are raised up by our 
Heavenly Father to be the lights of our race! Who could stand before 
Bessel without feeling how genius is exalted by industry! What a lesson of 
truth and decision was written on the brow of Dalton! But our close inter- 
course with each other is still more precious, from its tendency to check some 
evil elements of our nature. For instance, the bitter disputations and petty 
hostility, which have too often disgraced the records of science, and made its 
followers contemptible. The most irritable man must feel less disposed to 
apply violent language, or attribute unworthy motives to one whom he has 
met in kindly intercourse, and whose character he has appreciated, than 
when he encounters a perfect stranger in the arena of the press; or if he 
have offended, how many opportunities of atonement and reconciliation are 
offered by a reunion like this! Accordingly, this fault has nearly disap- 
peared ; and when traces of it occur, it is only in persons who have not 
fully entered into the spirit of our Association. Nor is it less powerful 
to avert a still greater danger—the greatest, in fact, which besets our pur- 
suits—that of self-esteem. The true philosopher does not incur it: he 
