Isomorphism? Nay, who among us has even verified Thenard's
experiments on the oxygenated acids,--Oersted's and Berzelius's
on the radicals of the earths,--Balard's and Serrulas's on the
combinations of Brome,--and a hundred other splendid trains of
research in that fascinating science? Nor need we stop here.
There are, indeed, few sciences which would not furnish matter
for similar remark. The causes are at once obvious and
deep-seated; but this is not the place to discuss them."-- MR.
HERSCHEL'S TREATISE ON SOUND, printed in the ENCYCLOPAEDIA
METROPOLITANA.

With such authorities, I need not apprehend much doubt as to the
fact of the decline of science in England: how far I may have
pointed out some of its causes, must be left to others to decide.

Many attacks have lately been made on the conduct of various
scientific bodies, and of their officers, and severe criticism
has been lavished upon some of their productions. Newspapers,
Magazines, Reviews, and Pamphlets, have all been put in
requisition for the purpose. Odium has been cast upon some of
these for being anonymous. If a fact is to be established by
testimony, anonymous assertion is of no value; if it can be
proved, by evidence to which the public have access, it is of no
consequence (for the cause of truth) who produces it. A matter
of opinion derives weight from the name which is attached to it;
but a chain of reasoning is equally conclusive, whoever may be
its author.

Perhaps it would be better for science, that all criticism should
be avowed. It would certainly have the effect of rendering it