339 



CHAP. II. 



ON THE NATIONAL PATRONAGE OF SCIENCE IN OTHER 

 COUNTRIES, AS COMPARED TO ITS NEGLECT BY THE 

 BRITISH GOVERNMENT. — THE CAUSES WHICH PRODUCE 

 THIS NEGLECT, AND THE EXPEDIENCY OF REMOVING 

 THEM. 



(238.) The facts detailed in the last chapter being 

 admitted, because they are notoriously undeniable, 

 we come then to the following questions: — 1. Is 

 such a state of things peculiar to England, or com- 

 mon to other nations ? 2. Does abstract science, 

 more particularly zoology, stand in need of any 

 peculiar or national encouragement ? and, 3. What 

 are the causes which operate to its neglect ? By dis- 

 cussing these questions impartially and dispassion- 

 ately, we shall then be prepared to form a sound 

 opinion, whether science, among us, is in a healthy 

 state ; and whether, in truth, it is advancing, qui- 

 escent, or retrograding. On a subject in every way 

 so important and interesting, we have much fear, 

 after the able manner in which it has already been 

 treated, of not doing justice to the cause we advo- 

 cate. But the general sense of any body of men can 

 only be gathered from the expression of individual 

 opinions ; and although some of these will be more 

 eloquent, and the reasons assigned more convincing, 

 than others ; yet, if they advocate the same general 

 principles, and concur in the same sentiments, the 

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