The Old Humanities and the New ScienceOsler, William, Sir
Philosophy
The Old Humanities and the New Science
Osler, William, Sir
Classical education; Science
Osler told me that he had never given so much time and thought
to the preparation of an address as he did to this one.
The occasion and the whole setting were to me most interesting
and impressive. At noon the audience of distinguished scholars
and guests assembled in the "Divinity Room," the most
beautiful assembly room in Oxford. At one end of the hall the
Vice-Chancellor of the University presided and halfway down one
of the sides was the high seat of the orator. The distinguished
company, the brightly coloured academic gowns and hoods, the
traditional ceremonies for such an occasion in Oxford, the
figure of Osler himself, the charm and interest of the address
and its cordial appreciation and reception by the audience, all
combined to make a scene of brilliancy and delight which I shall
always carry in my memory.
At the close of the address the vote of thanks was moved by Sir
Herbert Warren, the President of Magdalen College, who described
Osler as the modern Galen, and was seconded by Sir John Barran,
the member of Parliament from Leeds, in felicitous words of
discriminating praise of the President's address. The audience
responded most enthusiastically.
I shall never forget the hour which I spent with Osler just
before the address, in inspecting the wonderful collection of
scientific instruments of historical interest which Mr. Gunther
had assembled at Osler's request from the various colleges at
Oxford, especially from Merton, the old home of science. An
interesting descriptive catalogue of the collection had been
prepared. With what delight Osler showed me and told me the
histories and associations of the astrolabes, armillary spheres,
orreries, telescopes, lenses, microscopes, books, etc., which he
had caused to be gathered together in connection with the
meeting of the Classical Association! You will recognize a
characteristic touch and thought of Osler in arranging for such
an original exhibit to interest a meeting of scholars.
When not long after the address I said good-bye to Osler I
little thought that it was to be our final parting, but I
rejoice to have been with him then and to remember him as I saw
him last on that triumphal day.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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