THROUGH SWEDEN. 
8; 
It would be no improper object for philofophical invefligation, 
to trace the progrefs of fcience under the reign of Guflavus III, 
and to compare this with the advancement it experienced during 
the later periods of the ariflocratical fyflem, or rather the fyflem 
of the limited monarchy. From fuch an enquiry it would pro¬ 
bably be made to appear, that neither the fplendour of a throne, 
nor the protection of a prince are neceffary, or even favourable to 
the promotion of fcience. It would be feen that the moil effec¬ 
tual patronage of learning is that which is derived from the pub¬ 
lic at large; and that the fciences, like commerce, are always the 
worfe for the interference of government. They refemble the 
fenfitive plant, which fhrinks from the touch of the pureft and 
moil delicate hand; but vegetates, flourifhes, and perfectly unfolds 
itfelf when left alone. On entering fuperficially upon a comparifon 
of the ilate of the fciences in the reign of Guilavus III. and dur¬ 
ing the ariilocracy, I do not find any naturalifl that might be 
ranked with Linnaeus, nor a mineralogiil of fuch diflinguilhed 
merit and reputation as Bergmann ; nor a linguiil and antiquary 
that could equal the celebrated Ihre ; not a mathematician to 
cope with Klingenflierna, the reputed inventor of achromatic 
telefcopes; no chemiil that could rival Walierius ; not a phyfi- 
cian like Rofenflein, nor fuch a proficient in the oriental languages 
as Aurivelius. When we confider what the Swedifh nobility were 
before the time of Guflavus III. and what they have been fince 
his reign, we perceive at once a flriking contrail. Guflavus, 
though certainly pofleffed of genius himfelf, had no body about 
him 
