60 SCIENCE AND THE PRESS 
and I remember that at one of the first lectures I gave in Leeds, 
the Chairman said he did not think any man in the room would 
live to see electricity become a general source of illumination. 
In those days the majority of people felt no difficulty in 
believing in spontaneous generation ; bacteriology was at its 
birth, and antiseptic surgery was just beginning to command the 
attention of the medical profession. We forget, I think, the 
pace at which we are progressing, and the rapidity with which 
the applications of science are transforming the conditions of life. 
When we come to view the industries of the country we see 
a like transformation. I cannot attempt to summarize the 
changes that have taken place, but we all know that to-day the 
word ‘manufacture’ is almost a misnomer. Hands, indeed, are 
still necessary, but it is now the brain that tells. Our indus- 
tries assume more and more the character of applied sciences, 
and if they are to be conducted intelligently and to be pro- 
gressive they must invest liberally in scientific brains. This is 
a subject on which I have preached in season and out of season, 
and occasionally I have got into trouble for it. People say it 
does no good—it merely irritates ; they are tired of this ever- 
lasting talk about the Germans and their coal-tar colours. Is 
not the Englishman as good a man as any other? Has he not 
risen to the summit of industrial and political eminence in 
spite of his alleged neglect of science? Are there not many 
other things besides science which are indispensable for success 
in manufacture—certain deeply ingrained elemental qualities 
in which the Englishman is supreme? I givea ready affirmative 
to all these questions, and yet—and yet—I do most firmly and 
profoundly believe that our greatest material danger lies in the 
neglect of science in relation to industry. This was eloquently 
pleaded in a memorable letter by Professor Huxley many years 
ago. ‘Things have improved since then undoubtedly ; but that 
there is still tremendous leeway to make up I venture to say 
Iam certain. I could enumerate to you, if it were permissible, 
