president's address, 39 



members of the British Association. Probably an inquiry into and dis- 

 cussion of the neglect of science and the questionable treatment of 

 scientific men by the administrative departments of Government, would 

 be more appropriate to a committee appointed by the Council of the 

 Association for this purpose than to the Presidential Address. 



At the same time, I think the present occasion is one on which atten- 

 tion should be drawn in general terms to the fact that science is not 

 gaining ' advancement ' in public and official consideration and support. 

 The reason is, I think, to be found in the defective education, both at 

 school and university, of our governing class, as well as in a racial dislike 

 among all classes to the establishment and support by public funds of 

 posts which the average man may not expect to succeed by popular 

 clamour or class privilege in gaining for himself — posts which must be held 

 by men of special training and mental gifts. Whatever the reason for the 

 neglect, the only remedy which we can possibly apply is that of improved 

 education for the upper classes, and the continued effort to spread a 

 knowledge of the results of science and a love for it amongst all members 

 of the community. If members of the British Association took this 

 matter seriously to heart they might do a great deal by insisting that 

 their sons, and their daughters too, should have reasonable instruction in 

 science both at school and college. They could, by their own initiative 

 and example, do a good deal to put an end to the trifling with classical 

 literature and the absorption in athletics which is considered by too 

 many schoolmasters as that which the British parent desires as the edu- 

 cation of his children. 



Within the past year a letter has been published by a well-known 

 nobleman, who is one of the Trustees of the British Museum, holding up to 

 public condemnation the method in which the system laid down by the 

 officials of the Treasury and sanctioned by successive Governments, as to 

 the remuneration of scientific men, was applied in an individual case. I 

 desire to place on record here the Earl of Crawford's letter to the 

 'Times ' of October 31, 1905, for the careful consideration of the members 

 of the British Association and their friends. When such things are done, 

 science cannot be said to have advanced much in public consideration or 

 Governmental support. 



To tlie Editor of the ' Timeg: 



Sir, — The death, noted by you to-day, of my dear friend and colleague Dr. 

 Copeland, His Majesty's Astronomer for Scotland, creates a vacancy in the scientific 

 staif of Great Britain. 



Will you permit me, Sir, to offer a word of warning to any who may be asked to 

 succeed him ? 



Students or masters of astronomy are not, in the selfish sense, business men, nor 

 are they as a general rule overburdened with this world's goods. It behoves them 

 henceforth to take more care as to their future in case of illness or physical infirmity, 

 and not to trust to the gratitude or generous impulse of the Treasury Department. 



In old days it was the custom when a man distinguished in science was brought 

 into a high position in the f'ivil Service that he was credited with a certain number 



