406 Proceedings of the Tfoi/al Scottish Society of Arts. 



had not gained useful knowledge, or would deny that, in taking 

 part in the discussions arising from this, valuable ideas had 

 been excited in their own minds, which, but for such excite- 

 ment, might have lain for ever dormant. He concluded by 

 stating, that, in an account given in the London papers of the 

 19th, of the rendezvous of the fleet of West India steam pack- 

 ets at Southampton, there was a striking confirmation of the 

 view he had taken of the effect of such societies. In this ac- 

 count it is stated, *' that these vessels, as they arrive at the 

 rendezvous, are subjected to certain trials of their qualities, 

 and that three (which are there named) have proved very 

 superior to the others.'' The President observed, that it so 

 happened, that these three were constructed by the same per- 

 son, a member of their own Society, who had discovered a new 

 principle in naval architecture, which principle had been tested 

 by an extensive series of experiments, made at the expense 

 of the British Association for the Advancement of Science. 

 These circumstances, he considered, afforded undeniable evi- 

 dence of the positive good which is produced by the exertions 

 of such societies, and an ample refutation of the doubts ex- 

 pressed of their usefulness. 



The following addresses to Her Majesty the Queen, and to 

 liis Royal Higlniess Prince Albert, on occasion of the Birth 

 of the Heir- Apparent to the Crown, proposed by the Council, 

 were unanimously approved of, and ordered to be signed, 

 sealed, and transmitted to the Secretary of State for the Home 

 Department for presentation : — 



"Unto the Queen's Most Excellent Majesty, 



The Humble Address of the Egyal Scottish Society of Arts. 

 '* May it please your Majesty, 

 "We, the President and Fellows of Tlie Royal Scottish Society of Arts, 

 recently incorporated by your Majesty's Royal Charter, beg leave, as our 

 fust Public Act under our Charter, respectfully to approach your Majesty 

 with the assurance of our sincere attachment to your Eoyal Person and 

 Government, and to express loyally and fervently our participation in the 

 great joy with which the auspicious birth of a Prince has filled all hearts. 

 United, as we are, for the encouragement and promotion of the Useful Arts, 

 wo gratefully acknowledge the advantages which the benignant influence of 

 our happy Constitution, under your Majesty's gi-acious sway, has ever afford- 

 ed for the prosecution of useful study, and the advancement of art and 



