12 
would proceed too far were there not here a power to restrain it : 
you hold that power : you exercise a presiding influence over all the 
Societies. The leading members of the scientific bodies have their 
places here, and science is fully represented. 
You look at science as a whole, and you weigh the value of every 
new discovery as adding to the mass of human knowledge. The 
honour of contributing to your Transactions is eagerly sought for, 
the medals you award are in high estimation, and science is stimu- 
lated to its grandest efforts, because you are viewed by all as just 
and able judges. To hold securely that proud position, learning 
must be your distinguishing attribute; in the altered state of things 
it IS learning which fits you for your new duties, and so long as the 
Fellowship is regarded as the reward of services iii the cause of 
science of no common order, or of proved scientific eminence at the 
universities, so long, I think, we may predict with confidence that 
the Royal Society will flourish. 
