XXIV. 



so correct and invariable as nature in all her laws, and thus na 

 study should he so free from sensationalism as Natural Science. 

 The very semblance of it ought to be an abomination to the* 

 true student. 



While, therefore, it is admitted that the established system 

 of science if it may be called a system is incorrect : for it ia 

 not only we who say so, but every great physicist from Newton 

 downwards has acknowledged that there was. something lacking : 

 yet Science has collected a vast array of valuable facts which 

 only want an assorter. They are like the multitude of objects 

 sent to an Universal Exhibition, but the building in which they 

 are to be displayed has still to be erected. Or they are like the 

 hieroglyphics on an Egyptian tomb waiting for a Bawlinson to 

 interpret them ; we hope that they will not be like the Aztec 

 characters on the Central American ruins which have waited, 

 and are, as far as appearances go, likely to wait in vain for 

 an interpreter. 



Every river has a source ; every tree has a root ; every build- 

 ing has a foundation ; but it is confessed by all men that Natural 

 Science at present has no source, no root, no foundation, 

 upon which to stand. The different theories are lik 

 Arabian streams which are lost in the sands of the desert ; 

 or northern lights which are never seen twice in the same 

 place. A pole or guiding star has continually been sought,, 

 but, like the North West Passage, it has eluded all search, 

 and many brave men have died in the pursuit. Still, we do not 

 blame explorers for not finding it. Man is not omniscient, and 

 even a Franklin may fail to reach the North Pole, or a Buckle 

 may die when his work is half done. But every man should 

 be honoured for the work he has accomplished, if performed 



