18841885 



hide deep enthusiasm under apparent calmness, almost 

 coldness. ^ 



The opening meeting took place on August 10 in the large 

 hall of the Palace of Industry ; the King and Queen of 

 Denmark and the King and Queen of Greece were present at 

 that impressive gathering. The President, Professor Panum, 

 welcomed the foreign members in the name of his country ; he 

 proclaimed the neutrality of Science, adding that the three 

 official languages to be used during the Congress would be 

 French, English, and German. His own speech was entirely 

 in French, "the language which least divides us," he said, 

 ' ' and which we are accustomed to look upon as the most 

 courteous in the world.'* 



The former president of the London Congress, Sir James 

 Paget, emphasized the scientific consequences of those triennial 

 meetings, showing that, thanks to them, nations may calculate 

 the march of progress. 



Virchow, in the name of Germany, developed the same idea. 



Pasteur, representing France, showed again as he had done 

 at Milan in 1878, in London in 1881, at Geneva in 1882, and 

 quite recently in Edinburgh, how much the scientist and the 

 patriot were one in him. 



"In the name of France," said he, "I thank M. le 

 President for his words of welcome . . . By our presence 

 in this Congress, we affirm the neutrality of Science . . . 

 Science is of no country. . . . But if Science has no 

 country, the scientist must keep in mind all that may work 

 towards the glory of his country. In every great scientist will 

 be found a great patriot. The thought of adding to the great- 

 ness of his country sustains him in his long efforts, and throws 

 him into the difficult but glorious scientific enterprises which 

 bring about real and durable conquests. Humanity then 

 profits by those labours coming from various directions. ..." 



At the end of the meeting Pasteur was presented to the King. 

 The Queen of Denmark and the Queen of Greece, regardless 

 of etiquette, walked towards him, " a signal proof," wrote a 

 French contemporary, " of the esteem in which our illustrious 

 countryman is held at the Danish Court." 



Five general meetings were to give some of the scientists an 

 opportunity of expounding their views on subjects of universal 

 interest. Pasteur was asked to read the first paper; his 

 audience consisted, besides the members of the Congress, of 



