Notes

Abstract

MEN of science need no reminder that, however they may be separated by political or racial differences, they are united in the promotion of natural knowledge. Scientific academies and societies in every part of the world delight to admit foreign investigators into fellowship, and to show publicly, by various marks of appreciation, their regard for contributions to known facts of nature, and for assistance in interpreting those already garnered. But though these international amenities are common enough in the world of science, it is but rarely that the Government of one nation does honour to the distinguished men in another. We therefore notice with keen satisfaction that the French Government has just decorated a number of foreign investigators, in connection with the recent centenary of the Institute. Prof. Max Müller has been appointed Commander of the Legion of Honour, and Lord Rayleigh and Prof. Ramsay have been created Officers. The broad feeling that prompted these awards was the same as that which led the French Government to strike special medals to commemorate the late Dr. Hind's discovery of asteroids, and Janssen and Lockyer's method of observing solar prominences in full sunshine; and, more recently, it inspired the Paris Municipal Council to make arrangements for erecting a statue of Newton in Paris. In sharp contrast to the delicate compliments which the French Government and people pay to British science is the insularity which regulates the distribution of those honours that the British Government have at their disposal. So few and so belated, indeed, are the honours conferred upon men of science in our own country, that it is almost vain to think that her Majesty's advisers will one day have the magnanimity to do honour to investigators of other nations. We cherish the hope that the New Year decorations just given to British men of science by France will induce our own Government to return the courtesy.