44 LEISURE-TIME STUDIES. 



with her, for the world, we shall find, is daily awakening to 

 new beliefs, to the fuller knowledge of itself. The great 

 irresistible tide of human knowledge is sweeping away the 

 old landmarks and resting-places with rapid force. And 

 wise, indeed, are they who, recognising the extension of 

 knowledge as from God, betake themselves with the tide to 

 higher levels of thought, and there construct their dwelling- 

 places anew. 



If, therefore, to gain the knowledge which shall make us 

 truly wise in our day and generation, and which may, in turn, 

 affect those who come after us, be a high and honourable 

 calling in all, let us with honesty of heart and purpose try to 

 walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called. 



[As this volume is passing through the press, Dr. Spottiswoode's 

 presidential address to the British Association Meeting (1878) has come 

 under review. The following paragraph is well worthy the attention 

 of "exclusives" in educational matters, and of persons who refuse to 

 encourage the growth and culture of science in ordinary education : 



" To recognise the common growth of scientific and other instincts 

 until the time of harvest, is not only conducive to a rich crop, but it is 

 also a matter of prudence, lest in trying to root up weeds from among 

 the wheat, we should at the same time root up that which is as valuable 

 as wheat. When Pascal's father had shut the door of his son's study to 

 mathematics and closeted him with Latin and Greek, he found on his 

 return that the walls were teeming with formulae and figures, the more 

 congenial product of the boy's mind. Fortunately for the boy, and 

 fortunately also for science, the mathematics were not torn up, but were 

 suffered to grow together with other subjects. And, all said and done, 

 the lad was not the worse scholar or man of letters in the end. But, 

 truth to tell, considering the severance which still subsists in education 

 and during our early years between literature and science, we can 

 hardly wonder if when thrown together in the afterwork" of life they 

 should meet as strangers, or if the severe garb, the curious implements, 

 and the strange wares of the latter should seem little attractive when 

 contrasted with the light companionship of the former. The day is yet 

 young, and in the early dawn many things look weird and fantastic 

 which in fuller light prove to be familiar and useful. The outcomings 

 of science, which at one time have been deemed to be but stumbling- 

 blocks scattered in the way, may ultimately prove stepping-stones which 

 have been carefully laid to form a pathway over difficult places for the 

 children of 'sweetness and of light.' "] 



