FROM MINUTE OF COUNCIL, 



October 7th, 1828. 



The Council of the Philosophical and Literary Society, 

 having received intelligence of the death of Mr. John 

 Atkinson, who had held the office of Curator and Librarian 

 to the Institution from its earliest commencement, cannot 

 suffer the present opportunity to escape of distinctly recording 

 their sentiments upon an event so melancholy, and a loss so 

 severe. In recalling the memory of their able coadjutor and 

 amiable friend, they are penetrated with unaffected regret. 

 To his indefatigable exertions the origin of the Society 

 was greatly indebted ; to his liberal gifts and sedulous atten- 

 tions the existence of the Museum may be attributed ; while 

 the success of the other departments, not immediately under 

 his cognizance, often bore witness to his zeal, and always 

 afforded him the most sincere satisfaction. It is with a sad- 

 dened self-gratulation that they can refer to the results of those 

 labours which they have long watched and admired — ^labours 

 which were cheerfully prosecuted, notwithstanding the claims 

 of an arduous profession, and which were scarcely abated 

 amidst the encroachments of long protracted disease. 



These form his durable monument, and many, as they 

 gaze upon it, will cherish the name and honour the attainments 

 of the skilful naturalist whom it silently but emphatically 

 commemorates. On other tablets are his modest and endearing 

 virtues engraved. Nor can the Council pourtray and celebrate 

 an example of so much worth, of talent so well directed, of 

 diligence so disinterested in its motives and so beneficial in its 

 operation, without feeling and publishing the fervent desire, 

 that they and their fellow-members may be stimulated by it 

 to renewed and augmented exertions. 



