4 THE ADVANCE OF SCIENCE 



mutual intercourse, have been reduced in 

 a manner, and to an extent, unknown to 

 former ages. The diminution or removal 

 of local ignorance and prejudice, the 

 creation of common interests among the 

 most widely separated peoples, and the 

 strengthening of the forces of the organi- 

 sation of the commonwealth against those 

 of political or social anarchy, thus ef- 

 fected, have exerted an influence on the 

 present and future fortunes of mankind 

 the full significance of which may be di- 

 vined, but cannot, as yet, be estimated at 

 its full value, 

 caused This revolution — for it is nothing less 



increase- — in the political and social aspects of 

 °caFscf modern civilisation has been preceded, 

 accompanied, and in great measure 

 caused, by a less obvious, but no less 

 marvellous, increase of natural knowl- 

 edge, and especially of that part of it 

 which is known as Physical Science, in 

 consequence of the application of scien- 



ence 



