501 
Gentlemen, — I have now accomplished, however imperfectly, the 
objects which I had before me in this Address, — viz., 1st, To no- 
tice the influence exercised generally by learned associations upon 
the advancement and extension of literature and natural science; and, 
2d, To take a brief notice of certain members of the Royal Society 
of Edinburgh who have died since the opening of the late Session. 
Nothing more forcibly brings before us the advancement of man- 
kind in mental improvement and in mechanical refinement than the 
power which we possess of realising the past, and of storing up the 
discoveries and the disquisitions which have been made by those who 
have preceded us. Human knowledge seems now to be all recorded 
for the benefit of posterity. There is such a multiplication of books, 
and such economy in the production of books, as to make that know- 
ledge available to all ranks of society. There is an arrangement 
and classification of books according to the subjects of which they 
treat which prevent libraries becoming a hopeless labyrinth — an 
overwhelming incubus. The achievements of able and original minds 
are preserved by those who have possessed kindred spirits with their 
own, and none of their labours need be lost, — nothing that they have 
accomplished need perish. I think our scientific societies have had 
a great and extensive influence in producing these results. That 
spirit of combination and companionship which has worked such 
numerous and permanent effects in all departments of human life, 
and which is an innate principle of human nature, has operated in 
combining men for objects which may be good or may be bad. 
Whilst we see with pain and grief the union of human beings accom- 
plished for the express 'purpose of evil, and for injuring others in 
order to promote the advantage of those who unite, it is delightful 
to think how close, also, combinations may be made for the improve- 
ment of the species, for advancing knowledge, either exclusively in 
one of its departments, or generally in every department. Men 
combine together in associations for amusement, for recreation, or 
for gaiety. They combine together for purposes of pecuniary profit, 
to secure political ascendancy, or more refined educational benefits 
for their families. This spirit of combination has produced also 
many associations like our own ; around the labours and the opera- 
tions of these there has gathered an accumulated history of genius 
and discovery, which must be enduring as the human species itself. 
The highest place in our veneration and esteem is, no doubt, due to 
