The Organisation of Research¹

Abstract

THE British Association was the product of an age rather than the inspiration of any one man, yet of those who first gave practical effect to the movement which has spread scientific learning and has bound its devotees in a goodly fellowship there was no more eager spirit than Sir David Brewster. It is not an exaggerated claim that it was he who founded the British Association. One may trace his enlightened action to a desire to combat the apathy and distrust shown by the Government of his day towards scientific work and even scientific workers. Only in the historical sense can I claim any relationship with Brewster. It is my privilege to occupy the Principalship he once held, and I cannot escape from the thought that the daily tasks now mine were once his.