12 INAUGURAL ADDRESS. 



pounded, in the measure that it can be established, be- 

 comes a subject of science. 



The essential character and relative importance of par- 

 ticular sciences and classes of science change with the 

 changing conditions of humanity. If the ruling mind 

 of the age be visionary, the wildest speculations and 

 most baseless dreams will be dignified with the titles, 

 philosophy and science. If a healthier intellectual activ- 

 ity bear sway, metaphysical studies will prevail and the 

 science of mind become the absorbing subject. And, 

 when from discoverable or unknown causes, the best 

 thought, tiring of subjective analyses and subtleties, 

 turns to external objects with patient and penetrating 

 observation and experiment, the physical sciences rise 

 into corresponding prominence and make sublime prog- 

 ress. It is not necessary to say that this is pre-eminently 

 the scientific epoch in which we live. 



The slightest acquaintance with the history of the 

 growth of knowledge shows us that the opening doors 

 into new sections of the temple of science have hinged 

 upon the discoveries, and been forced by the power of 

 rarely endowed individuals. The providential method of 

 progress has been the taking captive a great soul with 

 some great truth, and then the preparation of the way 

 for its revelation, as its earthly author, with self-sacrifi- 

 cing devotion and exhaustless energy, through all difficul- 

 ties and over all ojyposition, pressed on to its demonstra- 

 tion. Such minds can spurn routine, and, without trans- 

 gressing, transcend formulated law ; or better, can rise 

 into affinity with higher laws of their spheres, and becom- 

 ing their expositors, sweep away consecrated and cum- 

 brous formulas and realize the grand idea of "lengthen- 

 ing life by shortening the road to knowledge." 



In an instructive address, before the Royal Society 

 of Great Britain, a few years ago, " On the influence of 

 science upon intellectual education," Rev. Dr. Whewell 



