AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 103 



established, and be developed in tlie direction found by experi- 

 ment to be most advantageous. 



It may be supposed that these professorships are analogous to 

 the fellowships in the Universities of England; but this is hardly 

 so. The professors will be lecturers to diffuse the sciences which 

 they cultivate, bound to certain duties of instruction, and not 

 enjoying the literary ease without much stimulus, which the fel- 

 lowship prociu'es. If they give several courses, their time may 

 be too much engrossed by active duties, and the other horn of the 

 dilemma be tlie one upon which they will be impaled. Both are 

 easily avoided. They must have time to cultivate science, for 

 the University should hold this to be one of its cardinal objects. 



Referring to the union of the practical man and theoretical man 

 in this university of the arts, I beg to be allowed a remark. Few 

 terms have been more abused than this one of a practical man. It 

 is often used to denote one who works by empirical processes 

 instead of by scientific. Empiricism is the lowest form of know- 

 ledge. Science generalizes, and the scientific mechanic, instead 

 of looking for separate solutions for every problem, solves many 

 from one principle. The one gropes as in the dark, the other 

 advances boldly as in the light. Superficial theory runs into 

 quackery, and is deserving of all contempt, but the deeper the 

 study the more practical it becomes. When theory is complete 

 it is always practical; and when it seems not so to be, the absence 

 of this turn may be traced to some defect in the theory. It is easier 

 to work down than up; first to know what the generalizations 

 of ages have done for us — then to improve upon them if we can. 

 The application of such principles are far easier tlian their elabo- 

 ration. The highest principles of science, such as were elaborated 

 by Oersted and Ampere, and Henry and Gauss, were 'required for 

 the application of galvanic electricity to the art of telegraphing. 

 With these are associated the highest grades of mechanism, such 

 as the inventions of House and Farmar. The calculating and 

 printing machines of Eabbage are at once an illustration of th© 

 union of the two higliest theoretical and practical powers. The 

 attempt to sever science and art is mischievous, and in this our 

 time and country will prove abortive. Each is essential to the 

 life and activity of tlie other. 



