ON FORCE. 293 
of the best heads on the continent of Europe agree in their 
rejection and condemnation of the historic portions of this 
book. In March last it was subjected to a brief but pungent 
critique by Du Bois-Reymond, the celebrated perpetual 
secretary of the Academy of Sciences in Berlin. Du Bois- 
Reymond's address was on " National Feeling," and his 
critique is thus wound up: "The author of the ' Lec- 
tures Ms not, perhaps, sufficiently well acquainted with 
the history on which he professes to throw light, and on 
the later phases of which he passes so unreserved (s hrqff) 
a judgment. He thus exposes himself to the suspicion 
which, unhappily, is not weakened by his other writings 
that the fiery Celtic blood of his country occasionally 
runs away with him, converting him for the time into a 
scientific Chauvin. Scientific Chauvinism/' adds the 
learned secretary, " from whicli German investigators have 
hitherto kept free, is more reprehensible (gehdssig) than 
political Chauvinism, inasmuch as self-control (sittHche 
Haltung] is more to be expected from men of science, than 
from the politically excited mass."* 
In the case before this "expectation" would, I fear, be 
doomed to disappointment. But Du Bois-Reymond and 
his countrymen must not accept the writings of Professor 
Tait as representative of the thought of England. Surely 
no nation in the world has more effectually shaken itself 
free from scientific Chauvinism. Prom the day that Davy, 
on presenting the Copley medal to Arago, scornfully 
brushed aside that spurious patriotism which would run 
national boundaries through the free domain of science, 
chivalry toward foreigners has been a guidirig principle with 
the Royal Society 
On the more private amenities indulged in by Professor 
Tait, I do not consider it necessary to say a word. 
* Festrede, delivered before tbe Academy of Sciences of Berlin, 
in celebration of the birthday of the emperor and king, March 28, 
