cx REPORT—1858. 
No locality in the Metropolis unites so many elements of convenience for 
such a concentration as Burlington House. If, to the application of other 
Scientific Societies than the three now there located, the reply should be 
given “that the State is not called upon to provide room for individuals who 
may choose to combine for the enjoyment of a special intellectual pursuit,” 
we may rejoin that such Associations seek no selfish profit, but impart the 
results of their combined labour freely for the public weal. We might 
urge that the small amount of support needed for the enterprises and 
establishment of Science,—searce equal to the product of the tax upon 
discovery and invention paid under the existing ‘ Patent Laws ’—would be a 
good investment on the part of a Nation; and that, viewing such establish- 
ments and the prosecution of abstract physical truth in regard only to their 
material results, these might assure a Minister disposed to invest in what 
might seem to him the Lottery of Science, that the prizes are neither few 
nor small,—nay, some are incalculably great. 
It now only remains for me to express how deeply I feel the honour con- 
ferred on me by the position in which, through your kindness, I am now 
placed ; how highly I esteem the opportunity afforded me of addressing so 
distinguished and influential an audience in this most noble Hall; and how 
sincerely I thank you for the patience and favour with which you have 
received this Address. 
ee i re) oe 
Oey 
