of Edinburgh , Session 1875 - 76 . 
35 
gramme of lessons; there being capitation grants of money to the 
managers of these schools for scholars who, at the annual inspec- 
tions, pass satisfactory examinations in various branches of 
science. 
I have thus at some length explained what has been done during 
the last ten, and more particularly during the last five years, for 
increasing the means of scientific instruction in our universities, 
colleges, and even in elementary schools, because of the import- 
ant bearing of these measures in promoting such objects as this 
Society aims at. When vast multitudes of our population become 
conversant with science, who knew nothing of science before, who 
can doubt that investigation will be stimulated, and that discoveries 
and inventions will be made with a speed hitherto unprecedented ? 
But there is another measure of even greater importance to 
science, which is about to be taken in this country. Our schools, 
colleges, and universities are institutions for teaching truths, and 
explaining facts already known. It is now proposed to establish 
colleges of research, as they have heen called, for aiding in the 
discovery of truths, facts, and principles not yet known. 
In the year 1868, the British Association for the advancement 
of science appointed a committee of some of its most eminent 
members to report on the two following questions 
“Does there exist in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and 
Ireland, sufficient provision for the vigorous prosecution of physical 
research ?” 
“ If not, what farther provision is needed, and what measures 
should be taken to secure it” 
In the following year that committee gave in a report, answer- 
ing these questions thus : — 
“ The provision now existing in the United Kingdom is far from 
sufficient for the vigorous prosecution of physical research. 
“ Whilst greatly increased facilities for extending physical 
research are required, your committee do not consider it expedient 
to define how these facilities should be provided.” The committee 
added, that “ as the whole question of the relation of the State to 
Science is at present in a very unsatisfactory position, they urge 
that a Royal Commission alone is competent to deal with the 
subject.” 
