238 ON ACADEMIC FREEDOM IN GERMAN UNIVERSITIES. 



which I represent, and which forms the theoretical 

 basis of all other branches of Natural Science, that 

 the particular characteristics of their methods are 

 most definitely pronounced. I have already been seve- 

 ral times in the position of having to propose altera- 

 tions in the previous regulations of the University, 

 and I have always had the pleasure of meeting with 

 the ready assistance of my colleagues in the faculty, 

 and of the Senate. That you have made me the 

 Director of the business of this University for this 

 year, is a proof that you regard me as no thought- 

 less innovator. For, in fact, however the objects, the 

 methods, the more immediate aims of investigations 

 in the natural sciences may differ externally from 

 those of the mental sciences, and however foreign 

 their results and however remote their interest may 

 often appear, to those who are accustomed only to the 

 direct manifestations and products of mental activity, 

 there is in reality, as I have endeavoured to show in my 

 discourse as Eector at Heidelberg, the closest connec- 

 tion in the essentials of scientific methods, as well as 

 in the ultimate aims of both classes of the sciences. 

 Even if most of the objects of investigation of the 

 natural sciences are not directly connected with the 

 interests of the mind, it cannot, on the other hand, be 

 forgotten that the power of true scientific method 

 stands out in the natural sciences far more promi- 



