lxviii report — 1859. 



the same requests, succeeds in awakening attention to the cause which he 

 advocates, and obtains that hearing which is granted him at last for self-pro- 

 tection, as the minor evil compared to his importunity, but which is requi- 

 site to make his cause understood. This is more particularly the case in a 

 free, active, enterprising, and self-determining people like ours, where every 

 interest works for itself, considers itself the all-important one, and makes its 

 way in the world by its own efforts. Is it, then, to be wondered at, that the 

 interests of Science, abstract as Science appears, and not immediately show- 

 ing a return in pounds, shillings, and pence, should be postponed, at least, to 

 others which promise immediate tangible results ? Is it to be wondered at, that 

 even our public men require an effort to wean themselves from other subjects 

 in order to give their attention to Science and men of Science, when it is 

 remembered that Science, with the exception of Mathematics, was until of 

 late almost systematically excluded from our school and university education ; 

 — that the traditions of early life are those which make and leave the strongest 

 impression on the human mind, and that the subjects with which we become 

 acquainted, and to which our energies are devoted in youth, are those for 

 which we retain the liveliest interest in after years, and that for these reasons 

 the effort required must be both a mental and a moral one ? A deep debt of 

 gratitude is therefore due to bodies like this Association, which not only 

 urges the wants of Science on the Government, but furnishes it at once with 

 well-matured plans how to supply them with the greatest certainty and to 

 the greatest public advantage. 



We may be justified in hoping, however, that by the gradual diffusion of 

 Science, and its increasing recognition as a principal part of our national 

 education, the public in general, no less than the Legislature and the State, 

 will more and more recognize the claims of Science to their attention ; so 

 that it may no longer require the begging-box, but speak to the State, like a 

 favoured child to its parent, sure of his parental solicitude for its welfare ; 

 that the State will recognize in Science one of its elements of strength and 

 prosperity, to foster which the clearest dictates of self-interest demand. 



If the activity of this Association, such as I have endeavoured to describe 

 it, ever found or could find its personification in one individual — its incar- 

 nation, as it were — this had been found in that distinguished and revered phi- 

 losopher who has been removed from amongst us in his ninetieth year, within 

 these last few months. Alexander von Humboldt incessantly strove after do- 

 minion over that universality of human knowledge which stands in need of 

 thoughtful government and direction to preserve its integrity ; he strove to 

 tie up the fasces of scientific knowledge, to give them strength in unity. He 

 treated all scientific men as members of one family, enthusiastically directing, 

 fostering, and encouraging inquiry, where he saw either the want of, or the 

 willingness for it. His protection of the young and ardent student led many 

 to success in their pursuit. His personal influence with the Courts and 

 Governments of most countries in Europe enabled him to plead the cause of 



