The Microscope. 197 



recognized leader in Europe and America in an important depart- 

 ment of science." Prof. Smith then delivered a most finished 

 address, of which the following extracts will convey only a faint 

 idea: 



PRESIDENT SMITH'S ADDRESS. 



I wish that somebody else might have been selected to give 

 you the history of what has been done in microscopy the past 

 year. While in a general way I may touch upon that subject I 

 shall take as my theme The Unconscious Influence of Natural 

 Science Study on the Development of Society. We are apt to 

 lose sight of those quiet influences which are affecting our social 

 life. The speaker then, in the course of his address, likened the 

 progress of this influence to the steady movement of the world. 

 Cyclones and tempests may claim all our attention for a time 

 but the round world keeps on in its course undisturbed by those 

 influences. Happily, we, in the study of microscopy, are untram- 

 meled by metaphysical thoughts. We microscopists do not 

 trouble ourselves with cause and effect,but leave the leaven in the 

 lump, feeling assured that it will in time leaven the whole. The 

 old world has passed away. The age of the hero has passed away. 

 The people have arrived. Science has arrived, and theology, 

 law and all are on trial. Those who devote their lives to scien- 

 tific research develop a love for truth. Do not think that I claim 

 that the study of nature is all, however. There are men who 

 look upon the scientific man as one who must snap, snarl and 

 sneer, and that where science appears religion must retire. It 

 is a real relief to turn aside from this distrust to men who have 

 made ears dull with pain hear the sweet music of nature. In dis- 

 cussing the depreciation of labor, and the tyranny of office, men 

 have often, in offering remedies, put in motion forces which, 

 if uncontrolled, would have done more harm than good. The 

 plans for the absorption of railroads and telegraphs by the gov- 

 ernment are miserable failures. We must solve the difficulties 

 that confront us with some other power. We must have a uni- 

 fication of nations in the good work, and this is already shadowed 

 in a universal system of time and of weights and measures. 



A civilization based on science cannot so revert. Our trust- 

 worthy hopes for a glorious future are based on scientific re- 

 search. No one is more to be pitied than the pessimist and ag- 



