of Edinbw 'y li, Session 187 0-7 1 . 
287 
secuted successfully only by the co-operation of many persons 
acting together, or acting in different districts. Opportunity for 
such co-operation might be afforded by separate societies. Thus 
the Committee of the British Association on Luminous Meteors 
lately applied to the Scottish Meteorological Society to have a 
certain number of their observers, situated in different parts of the 
country, told off to watch on particular nights the occurrence of 
meteors, and mark down on maps furnished to them their posi- 
tions, the direction of their movements, and other particulars. 
That is an example of two independent scientific bodies co-operat- 
ing together. What I next mention shows the co-operation of six 
or eight societies. In Switzerland, and in the South of France, 
the various Natural History and Physical Societies have been 
carrying on a joint investigation to record the exact position of 
the most remarkable “ boulders” in the districts with which they 
are severally connected. For this purpose one central society — 
the Helvetic Society — has issued to the societies at Neufchatel, 
Berne, Aargau, Geneva, Lyons, and Grenoble, suitable maps and 
schedules. These societies have already made great advances in 
ascertaining and marking down the exact position of numerous 
boulders above 100 tons in weight. They have done more, for 
they have succeeded in stopping the wholesale destruction of 
boulders, which were being victimised to agricultural improve- 
ments; and so much have their objects been appreciated by the 
municipal and State authorities, that the latter pay the cost of the 
necessary printing, and other expenses required for the investiga- 
tion.* 
Another case of co-operation nearer home may be mentioned. 
Professor Roscoe of Manchester is forming what he calls a 
“ National Science Union,” embracing not only scientific inves- 
tigations, but also, and even more especially, action on the Legis- 
lature and the Government. With reference to this last object, 
he observes, that “ although those who are engaged in scientific 
investigation or instruction, undoubtedly form one of the most 
intelligent professions in the kingdom ; yet, for want of union, 
* Professor Faure of Geneva has had the kindness to send to me several of 
the Maps, Schedules, and Reports, showing the progress made by the different 
societies aiding in this investigation. 
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VOL. VII. 
