The Rev Geo. Smith then read a paper on “Science in its relation to Education”

Mr. Smith remarked that the title of his paper was somewhat vague due to the impossibility of describing in a few words the aim of his remarks. The term Science denoted all knowledge, but although it had this general interpretation it gradually became limited in its application. After describing what education was he remarked that science could not supply the complete groundwork, nor could it give the highest training, but yet all education without science must be depictive. Science had a province of its own, the province of induction, and in that connection it was supreme among the subjects useful for mind-training.

Science as applied to the laws of nature was most important & one of the great advantages of its study would be that the conditions of health would be better understood. Mining operations, Manufactures, agriculture, commerce and industry in general were all aided by science – a sufficient reason that scientific training was necessary.

Complaint had been made that boys left school without being equipped for future life. This was an error. In early years there must be education proper. Then instruction for the trained mind could assimilate information at a greater rate than the mind untrained. The study of Science could form but a small part of education & that not the highest part and yet it was a necessary part and in its relation to practical life a most important part. The need of a distinctive scientific training was felt & was being generally met.