As we look at the assemblage gathered in this hall, comprising so
many names of widest renown in every branch of learning--we might
almost say in every field of human endeavor--the first inquiry
suggested must be after the object of our meeting. The answer is
that our purpose corresponds to the eminence of the assemblage. We
aim at nothing less than a survey of the realm of knowledge, as
comprehensive as is permitted by the limitations of time and
space. The organizers of our congress have honored me with the
charge of presenting such preliminary view of its field as may
make clear the spirit of our undertaking.

Certain tendencies characteristic of the science of our day
clearly suggest the direction of our thoughts most appropriate to
the occasion. Among the strongest of these is one towards laying
greater stress on questions of the beginnings of things, and
regarding a knowledge of the laws of development of any object of
study as necessary to the understanding of its present form. 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