Otago Institute. 475 
It is of course our own speech which is of the most importance to us; 
and with a few exceptions, at distant intervals, it is only recently that it has 
been philosophically investigated. This has been much aided by the recent 
revival of the study of Anglo-Saxon, which is really English in its oldest 
form. To take part in these investigations, with the hope of adding some- 
thing to the common stock of knowledge, is certainly not inconsistent with 
the general scope and objects of these societies; and be it observed that 
the wider the field which we embrace the more do we place ourselves in 
communion with the scientific and learned bodies in Europe and America. 
In England, France, and the United States, each science has its distinct | 
society. Geological societies, geographical societies, bdtanical societies, anti- 
quarian societies, philological societies, historical societies, and many others, 
are to be found in all the countries of Europe and America. We are far too 
young, and our population is too small and too much divided for such a 
division of scientific labour. The Institute is a happy expedient for securing 
all the advantages of association which our circumstances admit of, and this 
principle of union for scientific objects is not without example in England, 
where it is less needed than with us. The British Association for the 
Advancement of Science is of this catholic character, and there is a certain 
correspondence and connection (I am not sure whether I should be justified in 
calling it affiliation) observed between some of the metropolitan societies and 
provincial societies which pursue the same objects. The Royal Society of 
Antiquaries, for instance, has some such connection with various local anti- 
quarian societies ; so that the principle of our Institute is recognized as sound 
by those societies which have more experience than we have. What the 
French call (esprit d'association is in fact one of the characteristic features of 
the present age. 
I have alluded to the two kinds of progress of which science is susceptible ; 
and let it never be forgotten that if in our humble beginning we should add 
but little, or even nothing, to the increase or improvement of science, exten- 
sion and diffusion are within our reach. But may we not also hope to add 
something to the general stock? Let me say a few words to encourage hope, 
and stimulate exertion in that direction. Great and successful examples 
cannot fail to animate hope in those who are laudably ambitious of scientific 
attainments, and of making some contribution to the common fund. 
One of the grandest discoveries of modern times—perhaps the most 
remarkable discovery of science ever achieved—was effected simultaneously 
by two mathematicians but little known at the time. I allude to the 
discovery of the planet Neptune. This planet was literally discovered before _ 
it was seen, by two scientific men acting entirely without concert. These 
men were known rather as skilful mathematicians than as astronomers. They 
