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quired long and patient study of nature's hidden laws to bring 

 them to their present state of perfection and usefulness. We may 

 consider each new discovery, even the most trifling, important in its 

 relations. It opens the way for another, and so, on and on ; each 

 point gained, a stepping-stone to a higher point beyond. It is need- 

 less to trace further the intimate necessary connection between sci- 

 entific training and these practical applications of the forces of 

 nature. 



THE VALUE OF SCIENCE TO CHICAGO. 



I may be permitted to add a few thoughts upon the economic 

 relations which science holds to our city, and, indeed, to the country 

 upon which we are dependent. Until within a few years, Agricul- 

 tural Chemistry, widely adopted in the older States, was practically 

 unknown here. Our western soil gave no indications of the need 

 of replacing those elements withdrawn by our abundant harvests. 

 Now the discussions of the Farmers' Clubs throughout the North- 

 west, indicate the vital importance of the intelligent application of 

 scientific principles to farming in all its different branches. 



Arboriculture, in its climatic relations ; Insect Study, with its 

 vast results, beneficial beyond computation, are illustrations of the 

 scope of our subject, which I can only enumerate. A similar pro- 

 gress is observed if we look at the mechanical and manufacturing 

 interests of our city, as developed within a few years ; and here, did 

 time permit, could be found proof abundant and conclusive of the 

 necessity of uniting science with these pursuits, if we would suc- 

 cessfully compete with the skilled work of other localities. Personal 

 identification with these interests would lead me, were it possible, 

 to develop more fully this branch of the subject ; I can barely 

 allude, however, to what has doubtless already suggested itself to 

 you. Take away from our city its producing and manufacturing 

 interests in iron, steel, lead, copper, zinc, leather, glass, oils, chem- 

 icals, etc., and you rob her of a chief element of her present and 

 prospective power. 



I have thus, my friends, endeavored to place before you, though 

 imperfectly, some of the claims which our Academy of Sciences has 

 upon you. You know its history ; you know something of its 

 work, unselfish work, accomplished during the twenty years of its 

 existence, for this city, this State yes, the whole Northwest. I 



