THERE are many scientific students scattered through the country, as science-masters in schools, and in other capacities, who are willing and competent to undertake original researches in their special branches of science. The great obstacle to their attempting it is, in most cases, the cost of the necessary instruments. It is of course impossible to expect such apparatus as is required for original work to be supplied from the science funds of a school, these being properly applied to provide only what is requisite for teaching the pupils; so that if an investigation is to be attempted, the whole cost falls upon one who is probably just beginning life, and is quite unable to afford it. The work is therefore postponed for a considerable period, and perhaps is given up altogether. Now the Department of Science and Art grants aid in fitting up the schools which are under its control. If the Department would give similar aid towards purchasing expensive apparatus for research, or would allow competent workers to hire such instruments for the period they require them, much of the difficulty to which I have alluded would be removed. Many, I am sure, would be glad to avail themselves of the opportunity, and would willingly fulfil the conditions necessary to ensure the safety and proper use of the apparatus. I may remark that by this means it would probably be easy to organise to a certain extent the investigations to be carried on, and thus render the results far more valuable than they would be if isolated. Looking to the national importance and the unremunerative character of this kind of work, few will think that this appeal is exorbitant.