38 G. H. KNIBBS. 



ledge will prove either directly or indirectly of utility; that if they 

 are per se commercially valueless, yet they will not fail to render 

 aid in that general progress, on which the whole depends, and 

 which has strengthened their hands among the nations. A gratify- 

 ing feature in the history of such laboratories is the great amount 

 of original research which they undertake, and communicate to the 

 world. 



To a wise people the striking progress of another nation is 

 occasion for serious reflection : and if it be possible for us to profit 

 by that example, surely what we have to learn is this, that our 

 national welfare depends — setting aside the transcendently great 

 elements of high character and vigorous purpose — upon Our 

 nationally fostering a spirit of scientific research, and an appreci- 

 ation of achievement in that direction. If in this we fail, we shall 

 pay dearly for our purblind ignorance, as indeed we have done 

 already. No one can contemplate the relative growth of German 

 commerce, the progress of her iron works, of her manufacture of 

 electrical machinery, or the progress of her great dye and chemical 

 works — the two last unrivalled for the excellence of their prepar- 

 ations — without realizing how abundantly she has been rewarded 

 for nurturing in her people a real and practical affection for 

 science, and a high respect for mental exploits. 



What is the spirit which we intend to foster in these young 

 colonies, just quickening with the first impulses of national feeling 

 and sentiment ? Are we going to make sacrifices of time and 

 money to cultivate that intellectual ardour, so finely manifested 

 in our Teutonic friends and so rich in its results ? Are we going 

 to throw all the energy of purpose of which we are capable, into 

 the impulse to acquit ourselves right royally, and to vie with the 

 old established centres of learning in the world in the struggle 

 after knowledge 1 Are we going to develope the resources of this 

 land with all the powerful assistance which intelligence and 

 education can furnish 1 Are we going to employ as instruments 

 in so doing, the great inheritance of scientific lore, which the 

 patient research, penetrative insight, and potent genius of the 



