New-York tribune., 1873-01-01

II in no unriendly spirit-iu sprit indeed, the
verse Of to repeat before you what
tons said Of America am persuaded that you will hear
me out He wrote some 23 years ago. and perhaps
nobody any harm TO have his words repeated and N
necessary laid TO- heart In work published in 1880 he
peoples OF age, there few in which the highest
sciences have made littsprogress in the United
5tates He declares his conviction that had you been
alone IN the universe, you would speedily have dis,
covered tnat cannot long make progress In practical
science, without cnvating theoretc science at the
same time But. according TO DE Tocqueve, you are
not alone. He refuses 10 separate America rom ts
az nome rna Of te nsec e Sthe taxing the
trouble TO create them.
THE FUTURE or AMERICAN SCIENCE.
DE Tooqueville evidently doubts the capacity OF q
democracy TO foster genius 1t was fostered IN the
ancient arstocraces rhe future" he says "wll prove
whether passion for profound knowledge and
so faithful, be born and developed so readily in
democratic societies in aristocraces As for me-" he
continues can hardly believe It," He speaks Of the
unquiet eyershness OF democratic communities not III
times OF great excitement for such times may give
extraordinary impetus to ideas, but In times OF
peace There is then he says small and uncomfort-
able agitation a sort OF incessant rubbing OF man
against man, which troubles and dstracts the mind
without imparting to IL either animation or elevation.
It rests with you TO prove whether these things are
necessarily so whether the highest scientific genius
cannot find in the midst Of you tranquil home.
so profoep nd political writer, but, since my arrival in
this country have been unable TO see thng IN the
constitution society prevent student with the
root OF the matter In him from bestowing the most
seadast devotion pure science. II great scientific
results ara not achieved in America 1t is not to the small
agtatons OF society that should be disposed to ascrbe
the defect but 20 the fact that men among you VINO
possess the genius for scientnc inquiry are auen WIN
duties OF administration tuition heavy as 10 be
utterly incompatible with the continuous OF tranquil
not think this state of things likely TO last have seen
In America willingness on tne part OF individuals 70 ae
u
parallel elsewhere.
This Willingness OF private men to devote fortunes 10
public purposes requires but wise direction TO enable
you to render null and void the prediction of De Tocque
Vile. Your most difficult problem will be not TO build
Institutions but to make not TO form the body but
TO dnd the spiritual embers which shall kIndle Wthn
that body living soul. YOu have scientific genius
among you sown broadcast. believe me, but still
scattered here and there. Take all unnecessary mRed-
ments out OF It's way You have asked me to give these
lectures and cannot them to better account than
by asking you in turn to remember that the lecturer IS
IL lecturers, but dscoverers that
you ought TO employ your highest men, sypa-
freedom necessary for his researches not overload
ing him either with the duties OF tuition or OF adminstra
tiOn demanding from him socaed practical results
above all things avoiding that question which ignor,
so often addresses to genius what IS INC use Oh
your work1" Let him make truth his object however
impractical for time being that truth may appear
III you cast your bread thus upon the waters hen De
assured it will return TO you, though it may be after
many days
And now my work among you is done; and have
only to add last word of thanks to my friends for the
aid which they so kindly rendered me aud rendered
nave 10 thank Mr. Hewitt for his constant care; Prof.
Joy and Mr.. Hall0ck for active help, most hDeIaly
given. To the Messrs. Appleton owe much; while the
labors OF Prof Youmans are simply continuation OF
lifelong devotion 10 the furtherance OF science can
forget the sympathy and offers Of friendly aid
which the loss OF assistant IN philadelphia evoked
from my scientific brethren III New York. One helper
sill remains me intact and you have bad through0ut
these lectures constant evidence OF his skill and deyo
ton. Finally, ladies and gentlemen, nave To thank
you Tor your unsweryiDg attention throughout this
course Of lectures. The circumstances under which you
assembled 10 hoar never escape my recollection
| wish you = warm goOd-by, and a three happy New
Year.