The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-08-26

4
OF both written and oral Communications, and
in such extent, that if no abstract is furnished
BY the author this may stand as substitute.
The labor thus involved would be considerable;
bat by dividing it among a considerable number, it
would fall lightly upon any Besides, there are
always those who like such labor, or, at least, are
willing TO encounter II for the improvement in ana
lysis which il gives from desire to do good, from
sense of duty-various worthy motives. AS to
the discussions, they fully presented in pre-
sent arrangements What is wanted in regard to
them generally is not full report, such as the ad-
mirable systems Of stenography afford, but dis
eliminating, brief, and pointed note, such as can
only be given by person who understands the sub
ject. In any single section, what one of us could
undertake TO give account of the discussions on
all the subjects which come up Aud il we pass
from one section 10 another, how impossible would
il be for the best informed TO succeed in such at
tempt IL appears to me worth consideration,
whether we may or may not make more effective
arrangements for printed accounts of written and
oral communications, and discussions than those
which we have heretofore had.
z. The meeting in sections is, perhaps, indispen-
sable TO the despatch of business. AT Charleston,
when we had probably one hundred members in
attendance, II was not necessary, and we found
great advantage in the discussion of subjects when
the different lines OF science crossed each other.
Thus the apparent subsistence of the coast of South
Carolina and the temperature OF the artesian wells,
of Alabama, brought out physical facts and reason
ines OF interest, while the communications Of Lieut..
Maufy on the currents in the Atlantic of Prof. lie
Conte on the exudatIon of ice from the stems of
vegetables, and others, called out corresponding
contribution nom the naturalists. As these re-
marks reported in but few cases, very i'm
poItant feature, and one which rendered the meet
ing perhaps more interesting and useful than any
other single feature, does not appear in the pub
hshed proceedings. Is il not worth considering
whether, without losing the advantage Of u diyi-
sion into societies, by which time is, no doubt,
saved, and TOO much pppularizing of the subjects
avoided, we could not, IN certain cases, have the
advanage Of general meetings for the reading of
papers II abstracts OF II commune lions were
prepared beforehand and forwarded to the standing
committee, they could select such commGnca atoms
as II was deemed desirable 10 have presented in ge
neral meetings; but their labors would thereby be
greatly increased, and those OF the members in a
similar degree. Perhaps, from the title, and by
ference with the authors, the committee could de-
telmine that point in a general way. | agree with
the mernbSIs of the Charleston standing committee,
that the subject is worthy of consideration and ef
foJt.
s. Is il desirable or not to increase the interest
Of the public in our meetings, by devoting a por-
ton of our time 10 popular accounts of new sub
Jects! The meetings of the Boston Association
include meetings of The sections which are strictly
scientific; general meetings at which accounts of
the proceedings OF the sections are given by the
chaiTmsn Of each; general business IS transacted,
tnd particular subjects presented by members
chosen by The general committees for that purpose.
This, though stictly belonging 70 the diffusion of
science, may moi be found to be prejudcial 20 is
advsnce ment. IL has hurried good and ea. ia IT,
May not The good predomnate
4. The hberality OF the city authorities Of
Charleston assumed the payment ofthe expenses OF
the meeting, including the publishing OF the pro-
cteoings This cft our treasury untouched, and, in
dt ed, mnde the association financially gamers, as
Wei as intellectually, by the meeting. The sub
ject of increasing the general contribution, by
members absent as wellhs present, was talked of
informally, and was requested TO suggest its dis
cussion BY The SHADING committee at the present
meeting.
There was one circumstance in this meeting
which gave me pain--llfst a shock ct surprise,
then unalOycd pain. II was, to see that science,
which had always considered the fast friend end
natural ally Of religion, was, in some Of its paths
or in some turns and windings, and seeming ends
Of those paths, reg rdsd with suspicion by the re-
Esious ! he able address OF Doctor X. w. Gib5es,
OF Columbia. vndicating geology from suspicion
Of lending 10 inhdelity, was not written wiih6at
abu.'dan and, indeed, urgent reaEoEs, derived fg0n
circuinsaLc6s ~ The midst Of which he is IN OBJ
serving European sCience, one Of the facts which
struck most foreiby and agreeably, was the con-
necion ia England, through her University e1iac4-
ton, between science and religion, so that some OF
the most emicent men were ministers Of both.
thought II gave higher aims, higher tone TO
science and scientific men, 10 be thus devoted 10
religion, the moral and religious man being dcyc-
loptd Of the SEINE time with The Intellectual. |
supposed the tine had long gone by, when the
study Of Gods works could be supposed 20 lead
away frCm The revelations OF his word; that the
language which heard last Sunday, from pulp
in this city, was OF common consent and accept
Gnce-" science - no ally 10 sceptcsm. * ~,
nevertheless, true that lesser wave Of the same
class with that which rose to overwhslm geOlSgY
some twenty years since, sweeps with consider
able force The Southern portion OF our Union,
and rCqgiIes 10 he stayed with Judgment to suhtt-
dtuce, unless by making ili shaped ent untimely
/ obstacles, we raise IL TO the height aud force OF
/ breaking dangerous experiment Tor those who
must meet the shock The progress Of science -
towards truth. But how distant the goal We
think We discern clearly; bat the medium changes,
snd objecs assume new coloTs, forms, and pfoPor-
ions.
I one age teaches cycle and epicycls for truth:
y and makes the earth a fixed centre Another ap-
proeches near The truth, and shows the law which
ministers the will of Him who made al things AID
us. 10 give way ia is turn 20 some higher truth.
u Science Is emphancally progressive. Who would
lie So indscIeet as To hinge his religious faith upon
ch0Dceetc, progressive sciencel A master has
said Let 70 man upon weak ccncsit Of sobri-
ely, or an III epplied moderation. thuk OF mintain
that man can search too far or be too well studied
in The book Of Gods word, or in the book Of Gods
works, divinity or shilosophyi but rather LEI men
CnceavoT ga endless progress or proficiency N
hoth-Cnly let man beware that they apply both TO-
charity and not TO selling; to use, and not 20 ost
tsiion; and agan, that they Do nos unwiely mingia
/ OF compound these lesrninqs together"
EVENING SESSIONS
AZ hslEpasi seven the annual address cl the last
President was delivered by Professor and cx'
President HENEY.