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decomposing the alkalies and earths by means of an apparatus similar 

 to that invented by Volta, but of larger extent and greater power. 

 But very many years yet elapsed, and many improvements and modi- 

 fications of the battery had been effected, before the same method 

 was made use of for the purpose of electro-plating. Early in the 

 present century, Davy published an account of the effects produced 

 on the nervous system by the respiration of the nitrous oxide. It 

 was afterwards ascertained by physiologists that the respiration of 

 the vapour of ether operates in a similar manner, symptoms, like 

 those of intoxication, being followed by a temporary loss of sensi- 

 bility. But it was still many years afterwards that it first occurred 

 to a dentist in America that the respiration of ether might be employed 

 for the purpose of producing insensibility to pain during surgical 

 operations. The time may often be long deferred, but our expe- 

 rience warrants the assertion, that there are very few of the discoveries 

 which have been made in the physical sciences which have not, sooner 

 or later, directly or indirectly, had the effect of promoting the well- 

 being, the convenience, and comforts of mankind. As it has been 

 hitherto, so we may expect it to be hereafter. In the meanwhile, 

 the Royal Society, gathering to itself those who are most eminent 

 as cultivators of any branch of natural philosophy, has no small 

 share of responsibility, and has important duties to perform. It 

 may encourage the deserving ; it may lend a helping hand to those 

 who want it ; it may, as it always has done, render assistance to 

 the Government where such assistance is required. Nor am I arro- 

 gating too much for the Royal Society when I say that it has still 

 another function, which it even now exercises, not less substantially 

 and really because the Fellows of the Society are themselves uncon- 

 scious of it. Of the value of knowledge I apprehend that few at 

 the present day will venture to express a doubt. But in all ages much 

 of that which has been given to the world as knowledge has been no 

 knowledge at all ; and from this evil even the present age, in spite 

 of the efforts made for the improvement of education, is not exempt. 

 An institution such as ours is in this respect a great safeguard to 

 the public. Here individuals engaged in pursuits which require 

 accurate observation and cautious induction, are brought more or 

 less into communication with each other. Mistakes as to matters 

 of fact, and too hasty conclusions, are alike corrected, Though not 



