THE 



EDINBURGH 

 JOURNAL OF SCIENCE. 



Art. I. — Observations on the Decline of Science in England. 



For several years we have availed ourselves of every proper 

 opportunity of pointing out to our readers the deplorable condi- 

 tion of English science, and the rapid decline of the scientific 

 as well as the useful arts. The language of admonition and of 

 expostulation was too feeble to make any immediate impression, 

 but the smallest impulse may produce a sensible effect by its 

 repetition ; and we have reason to believe that many individuals 

 were induced to turn their attention to the subject, and were led 

 to discover within the circle of their own knowledge the most 

 palpable evidence of the bitter and mortifying truths which we 

 were the first to acknowledge and to bewail. A posthumous 

 work of Sir Humphry Davy's contained opinions in unison with 

 ours, and Mr Herschel felt himself called upon not merely to 

 assert in general terms that the sciences of England were declin- 

 ing, but to bring forward specific and incontrovertible proofs of 

 the fact. 



" In England, 11 says he, " whole branches of continental disco- 

 very are unstudied, and, indeed, almost unknown even by name. 

 It is in vain to conceal the melancholy truth. We are fast 

 dropping behind. In mathematics we have long since drawn 

 the rein, and given over a hopeless race. In chemistry the 

 case is not much better. Who can tell any thing of the sulpho- 

 salts ? Who will explain to us the laws of isomorphism ? Nay, 



NKW SERIES, VOI„ V. NO. I. .IUI.Y 1831- A 



