The New York herald., 1873-12-15
RECEPTION TO PROFESSOR PROCTOR
A Generous Tribute 10 American Scic nee
by the English scientist.

A Generous Tribute 10 American Scic cncc
by the English scientist.
Professor r. A. Proctor, the English astronomer
who recently arrived in this country, was given a
reception at the Lotos Club by the members on
Saturday evening at which were several promin-
ent guests.
The President Of the club in a brief speech we
coined Professor Proctor in the name OF the Amer
lean pubic, and especially Of American men Of
science.
Professor Proctor thanked the President and
members OF the club and said that he had come
here to learn. He had known before he arrived
and had more clearly recognized since, that Amer-
can scientists dong noble work. and that
the people OF America were in advance of Europe
in the general attention given by them to science.
He had been amazed by the character OF the au-
diences before whom he had lectured, not solely by
their number, though that had surprised him. but
by their close attention to the facts presented
to them and @ BY their their appreciation & Of the bear.
American colleges and other institutions, and
had been struck by the great advantages which the
methods there employed possessed those
adopted IN England. He had strongly felt the hope
that one day his own children might received
portion of their education In America. lie pro-
ceeded TO remark that to everv thinking mind
America presents deeply interesting subject OF
study. There are being worked out in this great
country the great problems which occupy the at
tention, indeed, OF statesmen and politicians on
the other side OF the Atlantic but the solution OF
which there If solution is TO be hoped for is tram
meled by the influences of old traditions. by the
effects OF class distinctions and by other
circumstances not readily classified or ana
TO retard progress. Even in science the differ
ence was to be recognized. He could venture, IN
claim the sympathy and support OF American
Thinkers because or the efforts which he had made
TO resist the influences which oppress science in
ity In the legitimate sense, but authority unduy
allowed TO affect the freedom OF thought Here IN
America men OF science recognize authority
as a form OF scientific evidence, because
the TACT that great thinker has held such
and such q view is pro tanto evidence in
Americans refuse to allow authority to decide
scientific questions; and, when newly discovered
thorities should be modified or abandoned, the
American student OF science is not prevented by
new truths thus Indicated. In this respect he had
himself thought and acted as an American
Tva''i two points in connection with American
scientific work-nrst the efrective way IN which
1t was carried on. new and important iacts being
continually added TO our knowledge by American
science workers; and, second, the small regard
paid by Americans TO questions OF priority He re-
marked that in two special instances relating to
the work OF Professors Cooke and Winiock OF Cam
bridge, United states, he had been unwttingly
guilty Of injustice IN ASSUMING the credit TO others,
by those gentlemen, had been allowed to
rem ain uncorrected. 1t appeared to him, in
were altogether less disposed to controversy
than their European fellow workers. He remarked
the wonderful growth and development OF
America In past years. and the glorious lnture
which the nation had before her. He repeated ia
conclusion that ne had come to America 70 learn ha
rather than to teach, and he hoped that before ne
retured to England he should have learned 70
some purpose. a.,
Brief speeches followed by Mr.. Cyrus W; Field.
Chief Justice Charles p. DAILY, the Hcn Wniam am
0rton President Barnard Of COLUMBIA eSnefs sxtt sut
Rev. DR.. Henry M. rield, Mr.. ADralu .. ue"ite
and the Hon Robert Il. Roosevelt.