SPEECH OF PROF.' WILLIAMSON. 389 



numbers of the elementary atoms. Wc now use the term molecule 

 for those groups which hold together during a variety of transfor- 

 formations, but which can be resolved into simpler constituents: 

 whilst we receive the word atom for those particles which we cannot 

 break up, and which there is no reason for believing that we ever 

 shall break up. Amongst the most brilliant extensions of our means 

 of observation have been the researches in spectrum analysis. The 

 application of these beautiful methods to the investigation of min- 

 erals has already led to the discovery of three volatile metals which 

 had previously escaped observation, whilst its extension to the in- 

 vestigation of the light which reaches our planet from the heavenly 

 bodies has led to the recognition, in several of them, of elements 

 identical, in this respect at least, with some of our elements in this 

 ■earth. An eminent French chemist has recently taken occasion, 

 in reporting the results of some researches on the new metal 'Thal- 

 lium,' to volunteer insinuations against Mr. Crooke's claim to that 

 discovery. M. Dumas considers it corroborative of his views that 

 Mr. Crooke did not refer the consideration of his claims, on the 

 first opportunity, to a jury of gentlemen, formed for examining 

 products of manufacturing industry at the National Exhibition of 

 1862, I have felt it my duty to allude publicly to this proceeding, 

 because it occurred in a report of a commission of the French 

 Academy, published by the order of that distinguished body. Before 

 proceeding from the scientific and intellectual progress of chem- 

 istry, I must beg leave to refer briefly to the educational effects of 

 the progress. Little, indeed, would our conquests over nature 

 avail us if they are only known to the systematic cultivators of 

 science and only used by them ; and, unless the popular dissemi- 

 nation of knowledge keeps pace with its extension, the chief fruits 

 of that extension will be lost. It would be unjust to deny that some 

 important steps have been taken of late years by various governing 

 bodies in this country towards giving to experimental science a posi- 

 tion in national education ; but these steps are only the beginning 

 of a reform in education which must go much farther in order to 

 be effectual. In illustration of what has been done, I may mention 

 the admission of chemistry and physics into the list of subjects of 

 examination for various Government appointments, civil and mili- 

 tary; but the small value which theframers of the schemes placed 

 upon these sciences, compared to mathematics, is but too plainly 

 shown by the small number of marks which they assign to the ut- 

 most recognized proficiency in them ; so that the effect of the re- 



