of Edinburgh, Session 1870 - 71 . 
301 
I have related thus fully the circumstances connected with this 
Solar Eclipse Expedition, because it has occurred recently, and 
therefore shows too plainly the indifference to science, and to men 
of science, which actuates those who manage the affairs of this 
country. It is, however, a charge which unfortunately does not 
4 
lie at the door of the present executive alone. The same indif¬ 
ference has been too clearly manifested b}; almost all preceding 
Governments. Unmistakable evidence of this indifference is 
afforded by the treatment of the societies and associations formed 
for the advancement of science. What aid is given to any of 
these? The only part of the United Kingdom in which such aid 
is liberally given is in Ireland.* Except to the Academy of 
Music in London, which receives annually a grant of L.500, I 
know of no Society of a scientific character, either in England or 
in Scotland, which receives any grant to carry out its special 
objects. The only patronage to English scientific societies con¬ 
sists in the free use of Government apartments in London to seven 
of these societies, and the free use of Government apartments 
in Edinburgh to two Scotch societies—viz., the Royal Society and 
the Society of Antiquaries.f There is another society which has 
been very kindly allowed to occupy two small apartments in the 
General Post-Office Buildings; but for the use of these a rent is 
exacted; and, moreover, from this society statistical information 
is obtained by Government, for which, however, Government does 
not pay, and declines to pay. 
This illiberal feature of the British Government in not aiding 
voluntary associations for scientific objects, is the more remark¬ 
able considering the principle which our Government adopts for 
* In Dublin there are six societies, two of which are for the encourage¬ 
ment of the fine arts, particularly painting, which receive about L.13,000 
yearly, to enable them to carry out their special objects and to keep their 
buildings in repair. (See Report of Royal Commissioners on Aid given to 
Irish Societies, presented to Parliament in 1869.) 
t The Royal Society of Edinburgh has, since the year 1836, received from 
the Exchequer a yearly sum of L.300 to enable them to pay rent, taxes, and 
maintenance of the apartments they occupy. The rent charged by Govern¬ 
ment for these apartments is L.260. The Society of Antiquaries receives 
L.300, which is all applied to pay the officers who take charge of tlxe Museum, 
and the necessary repairs and cleaning. The Museum belongs to the 
Government. 
