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, botanical 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 Koyal 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 Vesprit d'associaiion 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 difi'usion are within our reach. But may we not also hope to add 

 something to the general stock 1 Let me say a few words to encourage hope, 

 and stimulate exertion in that direction. Great and successful examples 

 cannot fail to aniuiate 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 efiected 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 



