To trace the gradual decline of mathematical, and with it of the
highest departments of physical science, from the days of Newton
to the present, must be left to the historian. It is not within
the province of one who, having mixed sufficiently with
scientific society in England to see and regret the weakness of
some of its greatest ornaments, and to see through and deplore
the conduct of its pretended friends, offers these remarks, with
the hope that they may excite discussion,--with the conviction
that discussion is the firmest ally of truth,--and with the
confidence that nothing but the full expression of public opinion
can remove the evils that chill the enthusiasm, and cramp the
energies of the science of England.

The causes which have produced, and some of the effects which
have resulted from, the present state of science in England, are
so mixed, that it is difficult to distinguish accurately between
them. I shall, therefore, in this volume, not attempt any minute
discrimination, but rather present the result of my reflections
on the concomitant circumstances which have attended the decay,
and at the conclusion of it, shall examine some of the
suggestions which have been offered for the advancement of
British science.



CHAPTER I.

ON THE RECIPROCAL INFLUENCE OF SCIENCE AND EDUCATION.