Popular Science Lectures. 173 
stitute a link of union between all classes. We all have 
heard of the Republic of letters — of Literature. There 
is also a Republic of Science, where all men are 
on an equality, where distinction can only be won by 
industry and genius. 
If it be said by any one " we work enough all day — 
it is not possible to go in for dry science," one need only 
recall some of the many instances in which scientific 
studies have been pursued to great results under very 
adverse, difficult circumstances. From the lives of 
FERGUSON, the Shepherd Astronomer, HUGH MlLLER, 
the Geologist, Davy the inventor of the Safety Lamp, 
and a host of others we may learn how in the intervals 
of a daily struggle for bare existence, it is possible to 
study and to reap largely of the harvest of scientific 
knowledge. In such cases there was of course great love 
of science to induce such intense application and self- 
denial, and although we may hardly expect these 
examples to be often followed to the same extent, still 
they are an answer to those who say that to a hard 
worked man study is impossible; and they should be an 
encouragement to those of our young men who are 
striving for some healthful employment of their time, 
some way of relief from the tedium of unemployed hours, 
or of escape from temptation to employ those hours 
unworthily and worse than unprofitably. 
I have disclaimed any desire to appear before you as a 
teacher. I am unhappily as unfitted for the role of 
preacher, but I may be pardoned if I remind you that as 
all knowledge comes from Him who made the world and 
all that therein is, so a reverent and humble study of 
science will teach us much of the wonders of His power 
