1 Centennial Anniversary 



schools were actually established by local societies, by extending 

 their work from that of interesting adults to the teaching of youth 

 also. To-day, polytechnic institutions are for "higher educa- 

 tion," and scientific investigation goes on in them as truly and as 

 zealously as in the universities. 



Among the sciences, chemistry and geology have been much 

 alike in their influence in turning the current of popular attention 

 toward science. They are cultivated for their practical applica- 

 tions more than the other natural sciences, and this has brought 

 them into closer touch with the masses of intelligent men in the 

 industries. 



So long as chemistry was pursued as a mere art, it was asso- 

 ciated with astrology and magic. While its devotees sought the 

 Philosopher's Stone or the Elixir of Life, the outside public looked 

 on with awe and superstition. When the art of alchemy devel- 

 oped into the science of chemistry, there was a sudden burst of 

 light. The mysterious chemical transformations, which before 

 had awakened in the outside world only an awe resulting in 

 superstition, now inspired a new interest, and awe was transmuted 

 into scientific curiosity, a desire to learn what the laws were 

 which controlled the wonderful phenomena. 



Geology is so extensively an applied science that it receives 

 more government aid than any other science. Geological surveys 

 are established in every civilized country, because of industrial 

 necessities. The first geological surveys, systematically made, 

 of which I have any knowledge, were instigated and carried on 

 under the direction of the early societies; and later, when 

 states took up the work, it was often the case that this action was 

 first stimulated by the local societies. This Academy initiated an 

 early geological survey of Connecticut. The facts which tliese 

 surveys brought out called into existence special geological socie- 

 ties. The field geologists had to meet in order to unify and sys- 

 tematize their publications, as well as for mutual instruction and 

 encouragement. The meetings of the American Geologists led to 

 the organization of the wider and more general Americaji Asso- 

 ciation for the Advaiicement of Science. This in turn has reacted 

 on the general public, and diffused the knowledge gained by 

 special investigators. The great truths thus spread have given 

 intellectual pleasure to thousands who do not study geology for 

 its practical applications. 



