Atkinson — On the Function of an Academy. 45 



The foundation of a new Body, called the British Academy, 

 shows that the notion expressed by the term ' Academy ' is familiar to 

 men's minds; but I am not sure that any satisfactory definition 

 could be given of the term. It certainly is understood to mean 

 something more than merely Leatmed Society ; but so many different 

 significations have been connected with the word in its familiar use, 

 that, like other common terms, it has almost become indefinable. 



In some cases, the etymology of a word may be found of service in 

 throwing light upon its original and essential meaning ; but this resource 

 is not available here, for while the final syllable maybe connected 

 with S^/xo9, the remaining portion of the word resists analysis, 

 and is not explicable as a Greek element. Indeed, there is found 

 another way of writing it, viz. with e/<a instead of a^a ['AKaSr;>€ia], so 

 that probably the prefix, whatever be its nature, was unknown to the 

 Greeks themselves. But the application of the word to denote a 

 garden or grove where discussions were held on philosophic subjects, 

 has fully justified its use to signify a place for the re-union of scholars 

 and scientific men aiming at the promotion of the interests of learning 

 in the widest sense. It is, perhaps, best known in its connexion 

 with France, where it has become a household word with brilliant 

 associations and a definite connotation. 



^ Very different judgments have been expressed from time to time 

 with reference to the institution of such a body as an Academy. It 

 has even been held that our modern ways of thought, and the progress 

 of science, have given an appearance of unreality to the notion of 

 Academy ; and it has been gravely doubted whether it be not a mere 

 form of titular distinction, an institution with no very precise 

 function, and but little directive or stimulative efficacy. I do not 

 share these doubts. I believe that an important service is or can be 

 rendered by an Academy, using the term in its application to a 

 certain definite form of Learned Society. In the case of our own 

 Academy, the purpose and scope are briefly laid down and prescribed 

 m the first page of its Charter, viz. to give encouragement to all 

 studies that tend to the increase of useful knowledge, to persons who 

 have met together for their mutual improvement in the studies of 

 Science, Polite Literature, and Antiquities. It was ^not intended as 

 any merely or mainly literary tribunal. It was not charged, directly 

 or indirectly, with any duties of the nature of purifying or improving 

 the language. Its aim was not Aesthetics, but Philosophy in the 

 widest sense. It was to advance general knowledge, and to aid 

 individual improvement. 



