ADDRESS 



OF 



PROF. WILLIAM B. ROGERS. 



IN the opening years of the present century a learned Italian 

 philosopher and experimenter devised and brought to the notice of 

 the scientific world a new engine of electric force, a contrivance for 

 accumulating the peculiar form of electric energy, which since the 

 observations of GALVANI had engaged the attention of scientific 

 men. So general and profound was the interest created by this 

 discovery that the great First Consul of France invited VOLTA to 

 Paris, witnessed his experiments with the newly invented instrument 

 in the august presence of the National Institute, and soon after 

 conferred upon him the highest scientific honors and the most distin- 

 guished decorations in his gift. 



Striking as was this tribute to the worth and dignity of science, 

 to my mind the present occasion constitutes a far grander recogni- 

 tion than could be accorded by a First Consul of France, though 

 he were NAPOLEON BONAPARTE himself. For here the high 

 functionaries and chosen representatives of a great people are 

 assembled in its Capitol almost as if by a spontaneous impulse to 

 testify to the worth of science and to do honor to one who has. been 

 among the foremost in its advancement, making this, perhaps 

 beyond any former occasion in the world's history, a national testi- 

 monial to achievements wrought in the peaceful domain of scien- 

 tific investigation. 



I am unwilling to interpret this noble memorial meeting as 

 inspired simply by a regard for the valuable official services of 



the philosopher who wisely, discreetly, and firmly carried out the 



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