218 GENERAL CONDITIONS OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH. 



out a future is rejected. The most zealous aspirations are 

 paralysed and arrested by want of the necessaries of exist- 

 ence.' 6 The greatest scientific discovery brings no re- 

 muneration to its author, but often causes him ruinous 

 expense. Instances can be quoted of scientific men who 

 from want of means have been obliged to abandon im- 

 portant researches, and remain content up to the age of 

 fifty with a modest assistantship. The frequent pecuniary 

 assistance given by the friends of science shows that the 

 most illustrious scientific men die leaving their families 

 in extreme poverty. Thus a scientific career is shunned, 

 recruiting for it becomes daily more difficult, and the 

 country loses every year much valuable scientific dis- 

 covery. Such a loss is incalculable.' ' I do not want to 

 suggest wealth for scientific men, but a modest progressive 

 career, such as is offered to the soldier or State engineer.' 

 ' The scientific career shall consist of five grades : 



Per Annum. 



The scientific man of the fifth grade shall receive 1 20. 

 fourth 200. 



third 320. 



,, second 600. 



first 800. 



The entrance upon a scientific career, i.e., admission 

 into the fifth grade will not be granted till decisive tests 

 have proved with certainty the scientific capabilities of the 

 candidate.' ' For the sciences of experiment and observa- 

 tion, the aptitude of young men can be easily tested in the 

 laboratories, now so numerous and useful, in which their 

 original work would be carried on under the supervision of 

 professors.' * He who advances science by his discoveries, 

 works in the interest of all ; the State ought, therefore, to 



