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ever-widening sphere extends, within which observation is subor- 

 dinate to reasoning ; in short, all those deductive studies, in which 

 Algebra and Geometry are dominant, though the dynamical and 

 the physical may enter as elements also. The second, or physical 

 part of science, embracing all those inductive studies respecting un- 

 living or unorganized bodies, which proceed mainly through out- 

 ward observation or experiment, and can as yet make little progress 

 in " the high priori road." And finally, the third, or physiological 

 part, including all studies of an equally inductive kind, respecting 

 living or organized bodies. (I do not pretend that this arrange- 

 ment is the most philosophical that can be imagined, but it may 

 suffice for our present purpose.) 



In all these divisions of science, and in several subdivisions of 

 each, our published Transactions contain many valuable essays ; 

 and there seems to be no cause for apprehension that in this res- 

 pect, at least, (if indeed in any other,) the Academy is likely to lose 

 character. Death has, it is true, removed some mighty names from 

 among us — elders and chiefs of our society : but the stimulus and 

 instruction of their example have not been thrown away : an ardent 

 band of followers has been raised up by themselves to succeed them. 

 To keep the trust thus handed down, is an arduous, but noble 

 charge, from which it is not to be thought that any here will shrink, 

 whatever his share of that charge may be. 



And yet, while Mathematics and Physics seem likely not to be 

 neglected here, or rather certain to be ardently pursued, it may be 

 pardoned me if I express a fear and a regret, that Physiology, or 

 more precisely, the study of the phenomena and laws of life, and 

 living bodies, has not been represented lately* in the published 

 Transactions of our Academy, to a degree correspondent with the 

 eminence of the existing School of physiological study in Dub- 

 lin. Our medical men and anatomists, our zoologists and bota- 

 nists also, will take, I hope, this little hint in good part. They 

 know how far I am from pretending to criticize their productions, 

 and that I only wish to have more of their results brought for- 

 ward here, for the instruction of myself and of others. That is 

 not, I think, too much to ask from gentlemen who have sub- 

 scribed the obligation which is signed by every member of this 



