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SCIENTIFIC SUMMARY. 
QUARTERLY RETROSPECT. 
URIIs T G the last month, the scientific world has lost one of its noblest 
and most useful denizens. We believe that in thus designating the « 
late Consort of our Queen, we are paying a more just tribute to his 
memory than if we were to rank him amongst the noble patrons of science. 
He was the noblest patron of science in the land, but he was also one 
of its most able and earnest devotees ; and when his nobility shall be for- 
gotten, his reputation as a man of intellect and a patron of mind will 
remain immortal. 
Prince Albert attained to many posts of distinction during his lifetime ; 
and it must be universally acknowledged that in every such case he occu- 
pied the position to which lie was entitled by his intelligence. 
He was the originator of Industrial Exhibitions in England, and for 
this alone any other man would have received a degree of homage, such 
as the Prince never sought nor accepted. He died Chancellor of one I 
of our leading Universities ; and in the year 1859 he was nominated to the 
highest scientific office that can be held by an Englishman ; namely, the 
Presidency of the British Association for the Advancement of Science ; and 
it is agreed, without a dissentient voice, that he acquitted himself honour- 
ably in this difficult and exalted position. 
At various times we have been witnesses of the interest which he mani- | 
fested in educational establishments of less pretensions than those referred 
to ; and doubtless many of these will seriously feel his untimely departure, 
for it will assuredly be long before his place is supplied by his equal in 
worth and talent. 
But let us not range ourselves by the side of those who see in his decease 
a cause only for regret and lamentation ; nor be content to deplore and 
murmur over the loss that has been sustained by the country. Let us 
rather reflect how much better and happier he made the nation during his 
lifetime ; what a favourable influence his modest usefulness must have 
exercised upon the minds of his children, who will have constantly in- 
creasing opportunities for well-doing ; and let us take the lesson to heart, 
and consider how, surrounded by all the temptations of luxury, and of an 
exalted position, he prepared for himself, through a well-spent life, a 
smooth pillow for his last hours in a mortal state, and a happy home 
in eternity. 
NO. II. S 
