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occupy the chair which has been filled by Kirwan, by Brinkley, and by 
Hamilton, might indeed well nigh overwhelm me, did 1 not know that 
there were other merits, more humble than theirs, upon which you set a 
value—other qualities less dazzling, which may find here their employ- 
ment and their use. An institution such as this has been compared to the 
House of Solomon, in Bacon’s philosophical fiction, the New Atlantis, 
in which the investigation of Truth is carried on by labourers of various 
kinds, to each of which he has assigned a separate task. We have had, 
in this Academy, the representatives of each of these classes: we, 
too, have had our ‘Miners,’ our ‘ Lamps,’ and our ‘Interpreters of 
Nature.’ I am content to enrol myself in the lowest class; or if, by 
reason of the high trust which you have now reposed in me, other tasks 
should fall to my lot, I am proud to accept a new station among the 
Intellectual Workmen, and to perform the part of one whose office 
it is to harmonize and give effect to the labours of all. 
“There is another personal consideration, to which I cannot refrain 
from alluding ; and yet it is one upon which I hardly trust myself to 
speak. Among my predecessors in this high office, was one whom 
Tam still more proud to follow :—my nearest relative filled this chair. I 
know how he was valued here; and I cannot but feel that much of 
the indulgent estimation which you have formed of my fitness for the 
same station, has come to me reflected from his memory, and that you 
hope to find in the son some of these qualities for which the father 
was loved and honoured. 
“ But, Gentlemen, whatever qualifications I may want, there is one 
to which I lay claim: I mean that of deep interest in the welfare of 
this Body, and zeal for its service. Here I will yield to none; and I 
console myself with the hope that it may make some amends in your 
estimation for the many wants which you will hereafter have occasion 
to observe. 
‘“‘ GENTLEMEN,—My predecessor in this chair, upon an occasion 
similar to the present, laid before you some of his views respecting the 
constitution of the Academy, and the means by which its future interests 
might be promoted. I am sure that you will permit me to follow this 
precedent, and to offer a few remarks—/irs¢/y, upon the mixed nature 
