Notes

Abstract

THE varied and cultured tastes of the Emperor of Brazil are unusual even among private individuals, and probably without a parallel among his own limited class; his activity and eagerness for knowledge are astonishing. While in Paris, as we stated at the time, he was present at almost every scientific meeting of any importance, and in London this interest in science manifests itself quite as strongly. He has attended every meeting of the Royal Society since his arrival, was present at Mr. A. R. Wallace's lecture, carefully inspected the Science School at South Kensington, called the other day on Mr. Crookes, visited Dr. Siemens on Tuesday and Mr. Spottiswoode on Wednesday, and indeed has conversed with almost every man of science in London who has been doing any original work during the past few years. These visits are not mere formalities, for the Emperor is not satisfied until he masters whatever new research is submitted to him. On Tuesday he was made an honorary member of the Anthropological Institute and of the Royal Historical Society. Were the Emperor to stay here for some time we believe his presence would have a distinct influence on the public recognition of science; and if there were any one in this country in a similar station who took an equally real interest in science, we believe it would be all the better.