Without theory, practice is but routine born of habit. Theory alone can bring forth and develop the spirit of invention. It is to you, especially, that it will belong not to share the opinion of those narrow minds who disdain everything in science which has not an immediate application. You know Franklin's charming saying. He was witnessing the first demonstration of a purely scientific discovery and people around him were saying: “But what is the use of it?” Franklin answered them: “What is the use of a new born child?” Yes, gentlemen, what is the use of a new born child? And yet, perhaps at that tender age, germs already existed in you of the talents which distinguish you nowl In your baby boys, fragile things as they are, there are incipient magistrates, scientists, heroes as valiant as those who are covering themselves with glory under the walls of Sebastopol. And thus, gentlemen, a theoretical discovery has but the merits of its existence, it awakens hope and that is all. But, let it be cultivated, let it grow, and you will see what it will become.