37 
of Edinburgh, Sessio7i 1875-76. 
notice. These societies do not consider it any part of their corporate 
functions to undertake or conduct research. ..... 
“But whatever may be the disposition of individuals to conduct 
researches at their own cost, the advancement of modern science 
requires investigations and observations extending over areas so 
large, and periods so long, that the means and lives of nations are 
alone commensurate with them. 
“ Hence the progress of scientific research must in a great 
measure depend upon the aid of Governments. As a nation, we 
ought to take our share of the current scientific work of the world. 
Much of this work has always been voluntarily undertaken by 
individuals, and it is not desirable that Government should super- 
sede such efforts ; but it is bound to assume that large portion of 
the national duty, which individuals do not attempt to perform, or 
cannot satisfactorily accomplish.” 
The sentences which I have now read are the preamble and the 
basis of the conclusions to which the Commissioners unanimously 
came. These conclusions are as follows : — 
1. “ The assistance given by the State in this country for the 
promotion of scientific research is inadequate; and it does not 
appear that the concession or refusal of assistance takes place upon 
sufficiently well-defined principles.” 
2. “ More complete means are urgently required for scientific 
investigations, in connection with certain Government departments. 
Physical as well as other laboratories and apparatus for such in- 
vestigations ought to be provided.” 
3. “ Important classes of phenomena relating to physical meteor- 
ology, and to terrestrial and astronomical physics, require observa- 
tions of such a character, that they cannot be advantageously carried 
on otherwise than under the direction of the Government .” 
4. “ Whilst national collections of natural history are accessible 
to 'private investigators , it is desirable that they should be made 
still more useful for purposes of research than they are at present. 
We would now express the opinion that corresponding aid ought 
to be afforded to persons engaged in important physical and chemi- 
cal investigations ; and that, whenever practicable, such persons 
should be allowed access , under proper limitations, to such labora- 
tories as may be established or aided by the State.' 1 
