The Earl of Derby, in an address at the Edinburgh University, said:
"Of the gains derivable from natural science I do not trust myself to
speak; my personal knowledge is too limited, and the subject is too
vast. But so much as this I can say--that those who have in them a
real and deep love of scientific research, whatever their position in
other respects, are so far at least among the happiest of mankind....
No passion is so absorbing, no labor is so assuredly its own reward
(well that it is so, for other rewards are few); and they have the
satisfaction of knowing that, while satisfying one of the deepest
wants of their own natures, they are at the same time promoting in the
most effectual manner the interests of mankind. Scientific discovery
has this advantage over almost every other form of successful human
efforts, that its results are certain, that they are permanent, that
whatever benefits grow out of them are world-wide. Not many of us can
hope to extend the range of knowledge in however minute a degree; but
to know and to apply the knowledge that has been gained by others, to
have an intelligent appreciation of what is going on around us, is in
itself one of the highest and most enduring of pleasures."
THE VESUVIUS RAIL WAY.--The Italian Ministry of Public Works, in union
with the Ministry of Finance and the Prefecture of Naples, has issued
the concession for the construction of the Vesuvius Railway. The line
will run along that part of the mountain which has been proved, after
the experience of many years, to be the least exposed to the
eruptions. The work is to be commenced immediately, and it is believed
that it will come into use during the present year. A sufficient
number of carriages are being built to convey 600 persons during the
day. The line is to be constructed upon an iron bridge, built after a
patented system.
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