307 
of Edinburgh, Session 1870 - 71 . 
disposed, perhaps the more disposed, to listen to any representa¬ 
tion which we may lay before them. 
But, apart from our own interest as a society in the deliberations 
of these Royal Commissioners, I entertain a very sanguine hope 
that much good will accrue from them. The very concession of a 
Commission on the part of Government seems to imply a convic¬ 
tion and acknowledgment, that the patronage hitherto given in 
this country to science is not what it should have been, and that 
reform in this respect is quite as much needed as in other matters. 
We have been lately confessing our shortcomings as regards 
national schools, and are endeavouring to remedy these ; but we 
ought not to be satisfied with merely teaching old truths and well- 
known facts. The investigation of new truths and new facts, and 
the opening out of new pathways in the wide field of knowledge, 
are also necessary if we are to help in extending civilisation, and 
if we are to uphold our position in the family of nations. It 
should no longer he left to the chance of individuals being found 
to carry on, from their own resources, the great and noble work of 
making fresh discoveries in science and art. That work is worthy 
of State patronage, as it also more than ever needs State assist¬ 
ance ; and unless that work is carried on energetically and success¬ 
fully, we shall lose caste as an enlightened people, and see the 
chief sources of our prosperity and power dried up. 
Therefore I look forward, with no small anxiety, to the report 
of these Royal Commissioners. But I confidently anticipate favour¬ 
able results ; and in pointing out the best channels through which 
aid to science from the State may flow, I have no doubt that our 
own past services, and our present efficiency as a society, will not 
he overlooked. 
In these expectations I may possibly be over-sanguine, and 
therefore allow me to add, in conclusion, a single remark as to our 
own duty in this matter :—As a society, and so far as our scanty 
funds enable us, we will continue to encourage scientific researches 
in Scotland, not forgetting, however, that we have also literary 
objects ; and as Fellows of the Society,—a Society which during its 
time has done much in the cause of science, and something too 
on behalf of literature, we will do what we can to uphold its repu¬ 
tation, and extend its influence and usefulness. 
