Proceedings of the British Association. 147 



mathematicians, and one not less estimable for his moral qualities, 

 than admirable for his scientific attainments. His contributions had 

 enriched their reports, as his presence had given interest to their 

 meetings. His Lordship then dwelt at some length on the value 

 of mathematics ; it was the foundation of all the certain sciences 

 and it kept them all in their just proportions. Mathematics formed 

 an engine of enormous power, which conferred upon us the con- 

 trol over the dominions of time, space, and number. They taught 

 us the laws that regulate the order and secure the permanence 

 of the universe - y but while thus sublime in its applications, it could 

 accommodate itself to our humblest wants. Were mathematical 

 science to be lost, the misfortune would be felt through the 

 whole wide range of commerce and manufactures, and through all 

 the relations of life. The sailor would no longer be able to find his 

 way over the pathless ocean ; the merchant could not collect the 

 varied products of nature, as he would have no means of transport ; 

 and all engineering would become mere guesswork. Even in our 

 remote agricultural districts the loss would be felt, for the surveyor 

 would be wanting to arrange the boundaries of property ; indeed, so 

 pervading and necessary was that knowledge, that without it even the 

 commonest engagements and relations in the intercourse of society 

 could not be carried on ; and he adverted to the still greater advan- 

 tages which must flow from a more extensive application of its prin- 

 ciples. He looked upon the present meeting as the first of a new 

 cycle ; and as the objects of the Association were permanent in 

 nature, all interested in the advancement of science must be rejoic- 

 ed to see such signal indications of the permanence of the Associa- 

 tion's prosperity. The history of all science showed that minute facts 

 were first observed, and elementary principles first established ; but its 

 progress was from strength to strength, and the advancement was 

 accelerated by co-operation and the sympathetic activity of all intelli- 

 gent men. This augmentation brought a rich reward ; for every 

 page added to the great record of knowledge, and registered for 

 mankind one of the eternal laws which the wise Creator had framed 

 for the government of the Universe. 



The Earl of Rosse then resigned the chair to the Dean of Ely. 



(To be continued.) 



