This is the first of three articles by Dr de Vecchi that will be published in successive numbers of Scientia Canadensis. They are taken, with minor editorial changes, from his doctoral dissertation, 'Science and Government in Nineteenth-Century Canada' (University of Toronto, 1978). His death last year, at the peak of his years, was a grievous loss to all who knew him. He intended to prepare this material for publication. Ann Hopper de Vecchi has authorized the publication of this and the next two articles. The editors welcome them as valuable contributions, and as a memorial to a cherished colleague. Ed.