lii REPORT. — 1851. 



planets discovered by the telescopes of private observers. The historian 

 of Chemistry will tell that those splendid discoveries which have made a 

 radical change in the science have been made in institutions supported by 

 private subscriptions. The institution of the British Association is an em- 

 bodiment of the same principle in a different form. To facilitate the inter- 

 course of individuals ardent in the private pursuit of science, it was necessary 

 that its assemblies should be large, and almost unrestricted in admission of 

 members ; and this condition necessarily carried with it another, that its 

 meetings should follow at wide intervals. To enable the nation to learn 

 from the provinces and the provinces from the nation, its wandering character 

 is essential. 



That in the course of these meetings there has been ample evidence of 

 that stimulation which rarely fails to accompany the assemblage of a great 

 number of persons engaged in singleness of heart on the same general object, 

 can hardly be doubted. In nothing is it more conspicuous than in the pro- 

 duction of those elaborate Reports upon which no small portion of our repu- 

 tation and our utility is founded. It has been remarkable also in the direction 

 of the labours of our members, who have in many instances eagerly taken up 

 the trains of subjects indicated by the Association in its meetings. 



But there is another thing into which it is highly important for us (o inquire. 

 We communicate with other scientific bodies, British and foreign, and our 

 communications are respected. We ofter suggestions to the Government, 

 sometimes implying the outlay of large sums of money, — and our suggestions 

 are never lightly received. How is it that the Association has acquired this 

 external influence? 



I answer, that we have bought it. We have bought it by our own personal 

 labours in the same cause for which we solicit the aid of Government. We 

 have bought it by the expenditure of our money in a way which shows that 

 Science alone is our object in soliciting contributions from our members. 

 But, more than all, we have bought it by the care and the caution with which 

 our applications to Government have been made. In no instance, I believe, 

 has a request been urged for the aid of the State in things beyond our power 

 until we had expended our own money on things of the same class within 

 our power. Scarcely can an instance be picked out in which we have not 

 manifested our full acquaintance with every detail of the object to be attained 

 and the ways of attaining it before bringing the matter before the nation for 

 its general assistance. And if I were called on to advise the Association as 

 to the means by which this important external power may be best preserved, 

 T would above all things insist on the most studious caution and the most 

 minute preparation before making application to the Government. 



