FIRST MEETING 21 



sure no member of them would wish to dissemble, 

 and which arises from the narrow basis on which they 

 are of necessity built. It is not only that the con- 

 stant converse of men, who, to borrow the expression 

 of Goldsmith, have often travelled over each other's 

 minds, is not half so effectual in striking out great 

 and unexpected lights, as the occasional intercourse 

 of those who have studied nature at a distance from 

 each other, under various circumstances and in 

 different views ; but it is also, gentlemen, that none 

 of our existing Societies is able to concentrate the 

 scattered forces even of its own science ; they do not 

 know, much less can they connect and employ, that 

 extensive and growing body of humble labourers 

 who are ready, whenever they shall be called upon, 

 to render their assistance. . . . 



' Scientific knowledge has of late years been more 

 largely infused into the education of every class of 

 society, and the time seems to be arrived for taking 

 advantage of the intellectual improvement of the 

 nation. Let Philosophy at length come forth and 

 show herself in public ; let her hold her court in 

 different parts of her dominions ; and you will see 

 her surrounded by loyal retainers, who will derive 

 new light and zeal from her presence and contribute 

 to extend her power on every side. . . . 



' But even the experienced in science will bene- 

 fit by consultation with each other ; for there are 

 different degrees of experience, and no solitary in- 

 dustry or talent can ever hope to equal the power 

 of combined wisdom and concerted labour. Above 

 all, consider, gentlemen, the excitement to exertion 

 which will be felt by those who are solicited to 

 undertake an inquiry at one of these meetings, and 

 pledged to produce the investigations at another. 



