Moorsom, Esq., from the place. He was a founder 

 of the Society — its President nearly sixteen ye*u's ; 

 and whether we consider the talents and general 

 information that so hij^hly qnalified him for the office, 

 or his suavity of disposition and dignified demeanour 

 in the discharge of its duties — his influence lost to this 

 Society is a subject of deep regret, for personal, as 

 well as public considerations. To appoint a suc- 

 cessor, being' a chief object of your care, was the first 

 subject to demand your attention; and in the literary 

 and philosophical attainments of H. Belcher, Esq., 

 was recognised the fairest claim to the honours of the 

 Presidency. He was elected at a general meeting of 

 the Society, on the 8th of November, 1838 ; upon 

 which occasion the chair was taken by J. G. Loy, Esq., 

 M.D., who explained the object of the meeting — ably 

 reviewed the many and abUruse subjects of science 

 upon which a President ought to be able to pronounce, 

 and urged, that literary merit ought to be a leading 

 pnnci|)le to guide our judgments in a matter of such 

 importance. It was then moved, " That the respect- 

 *' fnl thanks of this meeting be presented to Richard 

 ** Moorsom, Esq., for the many and valuable services 

 ** which he has rendered to the Society, as its Presi- 

 ** dent from its commencement to the present time; 

 "and that Henry Belcher, Esq., the senior Vice- 

 •* President, be appointed his successor." — Proposed 

 by the Rev. Dr. Young, seconded by the Rev. 

 John Conaty, and carried unanimously. It was also 

 agreed, that Christopher Richardson, Esq., be re- 

 quested to accept the office of Yice-President. 



The glass cases and shelves, completed last year, 



