SCIENCE AND CULTURE 115 



solid and spacious fabric of the Scientific College as- 

 sures us, is no fable, nor can anything which I could 

 say intensify the force of this practical answer to prac- 

 tical objections. 



We may take it for granted then, that, in the opinion 

 of those best qualified to judge, the diffusion of thorough 

 scientific education is an absolutely essential condition 

 of industrial progress; and that the College which has 

 been opened to-day will confer an inestimable boon upon 

 those whose livelihood is to be gained by the practise 

 of the arts and manufactures of the district. 



The only question worth discussion is, whether the 

 conditions, under which the work of the College is to 

 be carried out, are such as to give it the best possible 

 chance of achieving permanent success. 



Sir Josiah Mason, without doubt most wisely, has 

 left very large freedom of action to the trustees, to whom 

 he proposes ultimately to commit the administration of 

 the College, so that they may be able to adjust its ar- 

 rangements in accordance with the changing conditions 

 of the future. But, with respect to three points, he has 

 laid most explicit injunctions upon both administrators 

 and teachers. 



Party politics are forbidden to enter into the minds 

 of either, so far as the work of the College is concerned; 

 theology is as sternly banished from its precincts; and 

 finally, it is especially declared that the College shall 

 make no provision for "mere literary instruction and 

 education." 



It does not concern me at present to dwell upon the 

 first two injunctions any longer than may be needful to 

 express my full conviction of their wisdom. But the 

 third prohibition brings us face to face with those other 

 opponents of scientific education, who are by no means 



