4 DISCOVERY CH. 



been lifted. He continually sees new beauties in the 

 features of his mistress and new wonders in all her ways. 

 Sufficient for him is the satisfaction he feels at each 

 discovery, and he cares not whether his studies have 

 any value beyond that which he derives from them. 

 In a world of hustle, such lovers of Nature are regarded 

 as creatures to be pitied, if not held up to ridicule, by 

 people who cannot understand why anyone should 

 devote himself to a subject without expecting personal 

 or public profit from it. 



Of a different type is the iconoclast the breaker of 

 images rebelling against authority, impetuous to prove 

 that the old idols are false, impatient with the world 

 because of its indifference to the new gospel he has to 

 teach. This man is not content to see things for him- 

 self ; he desires to convince others of the truth revealed 

 to him, and single-handed he is prepared to storm the 

 citadel of traditional belief. In all ages he is a disturber 

 of the peace, and is as unwelcome in scientific circles 

 to-day as he was to the contemplative philosophers of 

 the Middle Ages or before. But be assured of this : 

 you may crucify the body of such an apostle or you may 

 visit him with the despair that follows upon neglect, 

 but if his torch has been lighted from the divine flame 

 of truth and righteousness it cannot be extinguished. 



Most men of science are neither suppliants at the feet 

 of Nature nor fiery advocates of truths wrested from her, 

 but by critical inquiry into the origin of her strength 

 and weakness they hope to discover the means of sub- 

 duing her. She is cross-examined, tested, analysed, and 

 every artifice or weapon which seems likely to induce 

 her to reveal the secrets which she holds is brought into 

 requisition. She is a Katharine to be tamed by the 

 Petruchio of Science rather than a Juliet to be wor- 



