Page:What is technology? (Wilson).djvu/29

25 a name which some academic institutions have adopted, is liable to the same objection, and, moreover is a misnomer; for applied science is but a clumsy circumlocution for art or practice, as Theorised or Generalised Art or Practice, would simply signify science'

The great objection to the word is a phonetic one. Its sound is harsh and unwelcome, a thing to be regretted in the case of any term intended for general use, but, especially in the case of one which, referring to everyday life and homely things, should sound softly in the ear, and be "familiar in our mouths as household words."

In conclusion, suffer me a reference to two things There are few occasions, on which it is becoming for an individual to refer publicly, to what the French have taught us to call his antecedents; but I may be allowed a word on mine here. I came to this University some twenty-two years ago, fresh from the Edinburgh High School, without any prestige in my favour, any recommendations to pave my way, or introductions which should conciliate the good will of a single professor. A mere school-boy I entered these walls, to pursue, like a hundred others, the difficult study of medicine, without any extrinsic advantages. I look back now with unfeigned gratefulness to the services rendered me by so many of the protestors [sic] I stand indebted to a long list of them, for help and encouragement at a time when these are most needed and most prized and but for the kindness of more than one of their number, I would not be here to address you as their colleague to-day.

I speak thus not to pay this University a passing compliment, tor it does not need it; still less to imply that my case was exceptional for it was not so at all; but simply that I may bind myself m your hearing, to help the nameless and friendless students who become my pupils, as I was helped by my preceptors, when I was nameless and friendless.

Lastly, let me commend this new Chair to your good will and kindly aid. With its associated Industrial Museum, it constitutes a great additional centre of knowledge from which light will spread over this land, and over the world. I can but sow the seed. I have sown it to-day; I am honoured to do thus much; but the prediction, true in reference to all matters, is that "one soweth and another reapeth." I am not so selfish, or so thoughtless, as to wish it were otherwise. Institutions, like all other things, grow faster in