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LOCAL SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES.
principles of the science which he was studying : beginning with
the practical experiments and observations, and working back to
their interpretation. In a very short time he was able to publish
important results. This is only one of several instances that I
might quote from my own experience, but it is the most
convincing. The interest and enthusiasm inspired by the feeling
that one is making new observations, or in however humble a
way working towards a discovery, is quite enough to inspire a long-
ing to understand the general bearing of the work upon which one
is engaged. This method would be impossible with a beginner
of untrained mind ; but it is easy with a mature student who is
a beginner only in the sense that he is not a specialist. Far too
much time is often spent in preparation which leads to no per-
formance ; and much harm is done by discouraging willing
learners, because they have not been prepared in the orthodox
manner. This is the reason why I see the opportunity for the
Local Societies to take up the scientific education of unprepared
but mature minds ; firstly, by inviting the trained and experienced
workers to make known to them, through the medium of
untechnical language, the beauty and interest of scientific work
in the course of its progress, and of scientific discovery in the
making ; and, secondly, by providing them with followers who
will continue to prosecute under their guidance original observa-
tion, and even experimental research.
Everyone knows the success which has attended the
University Extension movements, and how an inspiring lecturer
has often sown the seed which has produced in literature, art, or
science a rich harvest of sincere students.
Let the Local Societies initiate a new Science Extension
movement, in which they contribute from their members the
willing workers who are ready to act under the guidance and
inspiration of those who have had the advantage of special
training and experience. Let them attract new members with
this object. There are so many persons anxious and able to do
something in the way of scientific work who only want the
sympathy and guidance of a leader more experienced than them-
selves; such leaders may not infrequently have to be sought
among the teachers or researchers outside the society.
In this way, and by some such co-operation, will the profes-
sional cease to be a professional, and the amateur cease to be an
amateur, when they meet upon common ground in the local
scientific society.
Surely anything that tends to break down the barrier between
the professional scientist and the amateur, between expert and
layman, is for the good of scientific progress ? That the one
should ever be actually discouraged by the other seems almost
incredible ; and yet one has to make the humiliating confession
that this happens again and again.