These societies extricated the cultivators of science from the isolation in which they had hitherto lived, and, by promoting their intercommunication and union, imparted activity and strength to them all.
Returning now from this digression, this historical sketch of the circumstances under which science was introduced into Europe, I pass to the consideration of its manner of action and its results.
INTELLECTUAL INFLUENCE OF SCIENCE.

The influence of science on modern civilization has been twofold: 1.

Intellectual; 2.Economical.

Under these titles we may conveniently consider it.
Intellectually it overthrew the authority of tradition.

It refused to accept, unless accompanied by proof, the dicta of any master, no matter how eminent or honored his name.