It
may be conceded that the principle here involved is as applicable
in the broad field before us as in a special research into the
properties of the minutest organism. It therefore seems meet that
we should begin by inquiring what agency has brought about the
remarkable development of science to which the world of to-day
bears witness. This view is recognized in the plan of our
proceedings by providing for each great department of knowledge a
review of its progress during the century that has elapsed since
the great event commemorated by the scenes outside this hall. But
such reviews do not make up that general survey of science at
large which is necessary to the development of our theme, and
which must include the action of causes that had their origin long
before our time. The movement which culminated in making the
nineteenth century ever memorable in history is the outcome of a
long series of causes, acting through many centuries, which are
worthy of especial attention on such an occasion as this. In
setting them forth we should avoid laying stress on those visible
manifestations which, striking the eye of every beholder, are in
no danger of being overlooked, and search rather for those
agencies whose activities underlie the whole visible scene, but
which are liable to be blotted out of sight by the very brilliancy
of the results to which they have given rise.
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