44 National Institutions for [Jan., 



formal education, in tlie position from wliicli independent research 

 may be advantageously entered npon. Indeed, it may be romidly 

 said, that a very considerable portion of the efibrts of scientific edu- 

 cation will have been made wastefully and uselessly, unless the best 

 men who have been inclined to scientfic investigation by their 

 teaching, are enabled to follow out the bent of theu' inclination 

 thi'ough some door especially opened on their behalf. 



It has been shown that the influence of the state has been 

 recognized in Great Britain as a legitimate and wise means of 

 securing to the community the advantage of certain scientific opera- 

 tions that could not be carried on with effect by any other instru- 

 mentality in the existing state of society. The argument built 

 upon this fact is very largely strengthened when it is remarked, 

 that the same necessity is not only recognized and acted upon by 

 other civihzed and enlightened states, but that for the most part 

 such other states much exceed Great Britain in the liberality and 

 even munificence with which they furnish organizatious and material 

 means for the prosecution of scientific research. It is matter of 

 the most familiar remark and comment in what a princely way 

 observatories of all kinds are equipped and supported in Kussia. 

 But perhaps the most telling instance that could be adduced in this 

 l)articular, would be the magnificent Chemical Laboratory just com- 

 pleted at Berlin, from Professor Hofiinann's designs. The building 

 has been erected by the Government, at a cost of about 50,000Z. 

 It is an ornamental red brick structure, enriched with terra-cotta 

 decorations, and medaUions presenting the features of men who 

 have played distinguished parts in the science of chemistry. The 

 building consists of two quadrangles, so arranged as to secure most 

 efficient lighting everywhere. The lecture theatre is sufficiently 

 capacious to accommodate between 300 and 400 persons ; but it is 

 at the same time a completely equipped laboratory in itself. There 

 are other laboratories within the structure for ordinary and for 

 advanced students ; and several laboratories for men pursuing 

 specific branches of investigation. One very large and complete 

 laboratory is reserved for the Professor's own use. The weighing 

 rooms are distinct chambers, efficiently cut off from the fumes of 

 the laboratories by intervening spaces. The galvanic batteries are 

 held in glass cases, provided with flues to carry off the corrosive 

 vapours. Powerful air-pumps exhaust a large series of receivers 

 arranged along the wall. The most complete spaciousness i:)revails 

 everywhere, and great care has been taken to secure the possibility 

 of extension as necessity arises. The primary object of this splendid 

 institution is to afford not only faciUties for the students of the 

 university, but the offering ready opportunity for original research is 

 distinctly recognized hi the design. It would be well worth while 

 to institute a comparison between this princely building deemed 



