INFLUENCE OF SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES. 297 



case, dependent upon his own resources ; he must 

 associate with those of similar pursuits and studies 

 with himself. He must learn to distinguish that 

 which is known from that which is unknown, and 

 this can only be done by a reciprocal communication 

 of knowledge. Hence, the origin of all societies. 

 The value of such associations is greater, perhaps, 

 than at first sight it appears to be ; for, besides 

 those advantages just mentioned, there is another, 

 without which some of the most gifted minds would 

 probably remain inert and inactive. Intercourse with 

 congenial spirits excites that noble and generous 

 emulation which has been the impelling principle of 

 some of the greatest of men ; and it will ever prompt 

 them to the exertion of energies never before called 

 into action. Many, therefore, of the best interests 

 of science are involved in the construction of these s 

 societies ; they exercise, in various ways, an important 

 influence upon the advancement of human know- 

 ledge, and they consequently demand the serious 

 consideration of those who feel interested in its 

 extension. The present division of our treatise 

 will, therefore, be devoted to this discussion. We 

 shall, in the first place, take a hasty glance at the 

 present state of the physical sciences generally, and 

 of zoology in particular, with the view of ascertaining 

 whether or not there exist adequate means of in- 

 struction or encouragement for its successful pro- 

 secution. 



(206.) It cannot fail to be remarked, by those 

 who watch the operations of the human mind, that 

 the peculiarities of a nation may be traced in its 

 public institutions. Nor, indeed, if we reflect but 



