PROCEEDINGS OF THE CENTENARY MEETING. xli 



I have a vivid remembrance of another social gathering in this hall. It was 

 a very generous dinner given by the lamented William S. Vaux to the Centennial 

 Commissioners in 1876. The affair was a distinguished success, the provision 

 both of solids and liquids being generous and the spirit of the gathering most 

 genial, but when I contrast the surroundings of that occasion with those we are 

 enjoying tonight, I am impressed with the fact that "the world do move." 



The only other event of the kind in the history of the Academy is a pleasant 

 tradition, and not one of my recollections. It was a dinner given in 1854, at 

 the instance of Dr. Ruschenberger, who acted as Chairman, in Musical Fund 

 Hall. One hundred and four members enjoyed the feast and joy was unre- 

 strained. At the risk of causing discontent with the elegant and sufficient bill 

 of fare provided for this evening's entertainment, I shall, as an illustration 

 of the change in social usage, call your attention to the perfectly exuberant 

 catalogue of eatables provided on that occasion. Without dwelling too much 

 on details I may say that while there was but one soup, and that nameless, 

 there were two kinds of fish, four boiled meats, ten side dishes, the French 

 names of which I shall not pronounce out of regard for the feelings of 

 Mons. de Pulligny. Then there were five roasts: beef, capons, saddle 

 of mutton, turkey, and ham. Under game were served pheasants, prairie 

 grouse, partridges, terrapin, and (it is to be hoped not too game) fried oysters. 

 There were six entries under "Pastry"; ten under "Dessert," and the whole 

 was washed down with Madeira, Champagne (Heidsieck and Mumm's), Pale 

 Sherry, Claret, Brown Sherry, Scharzberg, Steinberg, Liebfraumilch, Brandy, 

 Coffee, Whisky and, last but probably not least Punch. Curiously enough there 

 is no mention of ice cream, so apparently indispensable at the close of our 

 contemporary feasts. 



Strange to say the work of the Academy went on as usual, no notable ad- 

 ditions to the death list having been recorded on the minutes of subsequent 

 meetings. 



I think our admirable committee on entertainment, while they no doubt 

 have done as well as they could, have supplied no such provision for the inner 

 man as is set forth on that bill of fare of 1854. 



Of course, congratulations are in order. The President has indicated our 

 feelings on that subject, and it is not necessary to say more. It is very 

 likely, almost certain, so far as we know at present, that nobody here now will 

 participate in the second hundred years' celebration of the Academy's birthday; 

 but we do not know what may eventuate in this era of progress in biological 

 science, and Metchnikoff or some one else may discover a life-renewing bacillus 

 that will leave at our discretion the extent of our lives. If this be so, one 

 reason for wishing to prolong our existence would be the anticipated joy of 

 participating in the celebration of the Two-Hundredth Anniversary of the 

 Academy; and if I meet with any of you on that occasion I am sure we shall be a 

 bunch of jolly old boys. And so Good Night. 



