Minutes of Proceedings. 243 



* sibly embittered channels of rivalry and strategy. It is a 



* serious question for our rulers here whether it is for the public 



* interest that the higher pursuits of learning in this country 



* should be thrown for an indefinite time into that condition of 

 ' disablement and confusion, or whether they would not better 

 ' consult the common weal by recognizing and acting upon the 



* maxim to let well alone.' 



" 25. Council desires to add the expression of its conviction, 

 that not only the Scientific but the Industrial interests of the 

 country would be injuriously affected. It considers that any 

 diversion of the great abilities at the command of the Royal 

 Dublin Society from the field of practical usefulness into that 

 of abstract Scientific exploration would materially impede the 

 Society's progress in the valuable public objects for which it was 

 founded, and' in the success of which the Eoyal Irish Academy, 

 in common with all classes of the Queen's subjects in Ireland, 

 has a substantial and friendly interest. 



" Council's advice to the Academy. 



" 26. Council recommends : — 



" I. That copies of this Eeport be sent to all Members of the 

 Academy, and to the Secretaries of the Royal Dublin Society, 



" II. That Coimcil be empowered from time to time, as emer- 

 gencies may arise, in the name of the Academy, to do all acts 

 which, in its judgment, may be necessary for effectually resist- 

 ing the encroachments on its chartered functions, contemplated 

 in the present proceedings of the Governing Body of the Royal 

 DubHn Society. 



