156 [May 4, 
“The discussions, which opposition must provoke, should result in 
elucidating more clearly the principles embodied in these physical studies 
and in removing them more and more from the domain of theory and 
planting them upon the firmer foundations of fact. 
“ By this means they will be brought to the knowledge of the unpro- 
fessional reader and receive the support of those most directly interested 
in their application. 
“T have observed that in dealing with physical questions, involving 
only inert matter, the problems are comparatively simple, whilst those of 
a social character which enter the domain of mind become exceedingly 
complex, yet these two classes appear to be almost inseparably related. 
In developing an engineering project, the first stage is that of mental con- 
ception and evolution; the second, that of education and propagation; and 
the third, that of execution or construction. It is in the second stage 
where the greatest. difficulties are encountered, for it is always a difficult 
task to undertake to modify prevailing impressions. The contest is an 
unequal one, but when the changes proposed are based upon and allied to 
Truth they must ultimately prevail. Otherwise, they must as certainly 
fail, and this is therefore the crucial stage. 
‘A distinguished philosopher says: ‘The best way to come to Truth is 
to examine things as really they are, and not to conclude they are as we 
fancy of ourselves, or have been taught by others to imagine.’ 
“Tf we could but lay aside previous impressions and prejudices it would 
be an easy matter to apply this advice to see things ‘as really they are,’ 
but, unfortunately, judgment is too often blinded by habit or education. 
This prevalent propensity of accepting statements without investigation, or 
of reaching conclusions from superficial observations, has led mankind 
into many errors which can only be removed by searching and impersonal 
discussions. Such discussions, therefore, should be welcomed as tending 
to the perfection of knowledge and the revelation of Truth. 
“The studies which I have submitted to you have been my recreation 
and delight, and in pursuing them I have realized the truth and beauty 
contained in these lines from ‘Thalaba :’ 
«Learn thou, O young man, 
God hath appointed wisdom the reward of study! 
’Tis a well of living waters, 
Whose inexhaustible bounties all might drink, 
But few dig deep enough.’ 
«The treasures of wisdom are only to be unearthed by digging deeply, 
and I believe it accords with the experience of every investigator, that the 
deeper he delves the more treasure he discovers. Especially is this true 
when applied to investigations relative to the laws of the physical world, 
and, as each increment of knowledge is added to that already gleaned, 
the mind of the devout student becomes more and more fully impressed 
with the sense of his own impotence and of the infinite majesty and wis- 
