428 STUDY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 



CHAPTER IV. 



SUGGESTIONS FOR THE REFORM AND IMPROVEMENT OF 

 OUR SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES. 



(295.) We have enlarged, in the preceding chapter, 

 upon those means possessed by the government 

 and the universities for giving a new impulse to the 

 science of Britain ; because no renovation can be 

 complete and effective, which does not commence 

 from these sources. The organisation of our scien- 

 tific societies, however, is a subject of some moment ; 

 because, unless we ourselves evince a disposition 

 for improvement, we cannot expect assistance from 

 higher quarters. To expose defects, and to animad- 

 vert upon the proceedings of such institutions, is 

 at all times an ungracious task ; yet experience has 

 shown, that it is most necessary. Imperfection 

 attaches to every thing human ; and we are most 

 ignorant of that imperfection, in proportion as we 

 turn away from advice, and disregard the opinions 

 of others. Now, where there is a disposition in the 

 majority to think correctly and to act wisely, we 

 are more disposed to treat with indulgence existing 

 defects, than to expatiate upon their universal pre- 

 valence ; preferring, at all times, dispassionate reason 

 to bitter declamation and general sarcasm. We, 

 therefore, leave to others the exposition of existing 

 or assumed abuses ; contenting ourselves with touch- 



