TO 



THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION 



FOR THE 



ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE. 



One of the most remarkable features of modern 

 times is the combination of large numbers of indi- 

 viduals representing the whole intelligence of nations, 

 for the express purpose of advancing science by their 

 united efforts, of learning its progress, and of commu- 

 nicating new discoveries. The formation of such as- 

 sociations is, in itself, an evidence that they were 

 needed. 



It is not every one who is called by his situation 

 in life to assist in extending the bounds of science; 

 but all mankind have a claim to the blessings and 

 benefits which accrue from its earnest cultivation. 

 The foundation of scientific institutions is an ac- 

 knowledgment of these benefits, and this acknowl- 

 edgment, proceeding from whole nations, may be 

 considered as the triumph of mind over empiricism. 



Innumerable are the aids afforded to the means of 

 life, to manufactures and to commerce, by the truths 



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