, guided in their
choice.

The pursuit of science does not, in England, constitute a distinct
profession, as it does in many other countries. It is therefore, on
that ground alone, deprived of many of the advantages which attach
to professions. One of its greatest misfortunes arises from this
circumstance; for the subjects on which it is conversant are so
difficult, and require such unremitted devotion of time, that few who
have not spent years in their study can judge of the relative knowledge
of those who pursue them. It follows, therefore, that the public, and
even that men of sound sense and discernment, can scarcely find means
to distinguish between the possessors of knowledge, in the present
day, merely elementary, and those whose acquirements are of the highest
order. This remark applies with peculiar force to all the more difficult
applications of mathematics; and the fact is calculated to check the
energies of those who only look to reputation in England.

As there exists with us no peculiar class professedly devoted to
science, it frequently happens that when a situation, requiring for the
proper fulfilment of its duties considerable scientific attainments, is
vacant, it becomes necessary to select from among amateurs, or rather
from among persons whose chief attention has been bestowed on other
subjects, and to whom science has been only an occasional pursuit.
A certain quantity of scientific knowledge is of course possessed by
individuals in many professions; and when added to the professional
acquirements of the army, the navy, or to the knowledge of the merchant,
is highly meritorious: but it is obvious that this may become, when
separated from the profession, quite insignificant as the basis of a
scientific reputation.

To those who have chosen the profession of medicine, a knowledge of
chemistry, and of some branches of natural history, and, indeed, of
several other departments of science, affords useful assistance. Some of
the most valuable names which adorn the history of English science have
been connected with this profession.

The causes which induce the selection of the clerical profession are
not often connected with science; and it is, perhaps, a question of
considerable doubt whether it is desirable to hold out to its members
hopes of advancement from such acquirements. As a source of recreation,
nothing can be more fit to occupy the attention of a divine; and our
church may boast, in the p