20 INAUGURAL ADDRESS. 



more dependent than anj^ other branch of knowledge on 

 assistance from other branches of science. It has to rely 

 on physics not only for the solution of great dynamical 

 problems^ but also for the application, of the science of 

 optics to unravel the intimate structure and mode of pro- 

 duction of rocks and minerals, on biology for deciphering 

 the embedded organic remains, and on chemistry in almost 

 every branch of the subject ; and thus it barely existed as 

 a science until these branches had become established. 

 The first great advance was made by Sir Charles Lyell, who, 

 although commencing as one of the great opponents of 

 evolutionary doctrines, was himself the greatest apostle of 

 evolution, for he struck the true key-note when he said that 

 the order of nature was uniform. He lived to see the 

 effect of the great change brought about. In New Zealand 

 our geological explorations began since the matters I have 

 referred to were settled, and the result has been that we 

 have rapidly attained a tolerably complete knowledge of 

 the structure of the country, for a full description of 

 which, seeing that time presses, I must refer you to the 

 various Geological Reports and maps which have been 

 published. 



In ethnology and the study of the Maori race there is 

 an ample field for research, and it is a very great pleasure 

 to me to state that, at the sectional meeting dealing with 

 the subject, will be presented the proof sheets of a great 

 lexicon embracing the languages of the Polynesian races 

 compared with that of the Maori. This important work 

 is in an advanced state of preparation, under the hands of 

 Mr. Tregear, known as one of the most profound students 

 of Maori mythology. 



There is another subject which I should have liked to 

 say something about, and that is the great Antarctic 

 Continent ; and to a purely scientific man, utterly devoid 

 of all considerations of expense, the exploration of that 

 little -known region appears a matter of great urgency. 

 I understand, however, that Baron von Mueller wishes 

 that the discussion on that subject should be reserved for 

 the special sectional meeting on Saturday morning. 



