A plea for pure science : being the inaugural lecture at the opening of the Faculty of Science, in University College, London, October 4th, 1870 / by A.W. Williamson.

  • Williamson, Alexander W. (Alexander William), 1824-1904.
Date:
1870
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A plea for pure science : being the inaugural lecture at the opening of the Faculty of Science, in University College, London, October 4th, 1870 / by A.W. Williamson. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

    30/32 (page 26)
    people. Some persons are apt to interpret the term as im- plying a disinclination for theory; yet nothing is so unprac- tical as ignorance, and it can hardly be considered practical to learn imperfectly what has to be learnt. If scientific principles and methods are needed for the business of life, surely the practical plan is to get them by the system which is known to be most effectual for their acquisition. If it be admitted that Science teaches the general order of Nature, and that a knowledge of its truths is needed by those who wish to understand and control any particular set of natural phenomena, it will, I think, hardly be denied that the study of Science ought to precede the special training to a business. I will not attempt to add to this imperfect outline of the general uses of Science any description of the particular measures which suggest themselves as best suited to pro- mote the development of a national system of truly general education. It may safely be affirmed that the first step towards anything worthy of such a designation must be the recognition by the State of pure Science as an essential element of national greatness and progress; and if the pre- ceding remarks were to lead you to see the necessity of that step, their object would be attained. THE END.