In England, the profession of the law is that which seems to hold
out the strongest attraction to talent, from the circumstance,
that in it ability, coupled with exertion, even though unaided by
patronage, cannot fail of obtaining reward. It is frequently
chosen as an introduction to public life. It also presents great
advantages, from its being a qualification for many situations
more or less remotely connected with it, as well as from the
circumstance that several of the highest officers of the state
must necessarily have sprung from its ranks.

A powerful attraction exists, therefore, to the promotion of a
study and of duties of all others engrossing the time most
completely, and which is less benefited than most others by any
acquaintance with science. This is one amongst the causes why it
so very rarely happens that men in public situations are at all
conversant even with the commonest branches of scientific
knowledge, and why scarcely an instance can be cited of such
persons acquiring a reputation by any discoveries of their own.

But, however consistent other sciences may be with professional
avocations, there is one which, from its extreme difficulty, and
the overwhelming attention which it demands, can only be pursued
with success by those whose leisure is undisturbed by other
claims. To be well acquainted with the present state of
mathematics, is no easy task; but to add to the powers which that
science possesses, is likely to be the lot of but few English
philosophers.


SECTION 2.