.174 EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS. 
cation of information. We clo not believe that it would 
prove detrimental to our interests, but, contrariwise, advance 
them. We hold it is a narrow mind that would endeavour to 
prevent or restrain it, and the arguments advanced in favour 
of doing so we believe to be untenable. Mr. Dray has well 
said, “ The sun, although it is constantly imparting to other 
bodies heat and light, never diminishes in splendour;” 
nor does the fountain lessen in its supply of water on 
account of the vessel it fills. 
“ Imparted knowledge doth not diminish learning’s store.” 
Eliliu Burritt has stated that the present age is truly 
one of association. Never before could the social principle 
have been seen working so perceptibly throughout the 
world of mind, matter, and motion. And in each of the 
three great domains its operations can at a glance be noticed 
in action, with all its reflex and combined movements. 
There can be no questioning the fact that unions such as 
these being referred to tend to enlarge and liberalise the 
mind, and to remove jealousies which otherwise too com¬ 
monly arise between individuals of the same profession, 
while the benefits derivable from them are seen in the en¬ 
gendering of a friendly feeling that is reciprocated by the 
many, and by which the knowledge of all becomes increased. 
The domain of science is broad and comprehensive; its 
culture therefore calls for the employment of numerous 
votaries, all of whom derive profit according to the 
amount or degree of their labour, not the least of which is 
the awakening of sentiments that bind man to his fellow- 
man—sentiments of friendship and good will. Invidious 
distinctions become lost in the desire to advance the common 
interests of all, and an impetus is given which must even¬ 
tuate in the obtainment of the object each has in view, 
namely, the advancement and elevation of the profession of 
which he is a member to that position which its importance 
demands. Nor will the public be slow to recognise the 
efforts thus made, and especially will the scientific portion 
thereof hail them with delight and an expectation of aug¬ 
mented good resulting. We are of opinion that few will 
