for the AdvancevieiU of Science. 107 



manner, the subject of the strength of nrnterials, which the mul- 

 tiplied uses of iron, stone and wood, make so interesting, will be 

 brought before you by Mr Barlow. These were two of the por- 

 tions of Mechanics the earliest speculated upon^ and in them the 

 latest speculators have as yet advanced little beyond the views 

 of the earliest. 



I mention these as specimens only of the points to which we 

 may more particularly direct our attention. I will only observe 

 in addition, that if some studies, as, for instance, those of Na- 

 tural History and Physiology, appear hitherto to have occupied 

 less space in our proceedings than their importance and interest 

 might justly demand, this has occurred because the reports on 

 other subjects appeared more easy to obtain in the first instance ; 

 and the balance will, I trust, be restored at the present meeting. 

 I need not add any thing further on this subject. Among an 

 assembly of persons such as are now met in this place, there can 

 be no doubt that the most important and profound questions of 

 science in its existing state will be those which will most natu- 

 rally occur in our assemblies and discussions. It merely remains 

 for me to congratulate the Association upon the circumstances 

 under which it is assembled ; and to express my persuasion, that 

 all of us, acting under the elevating and yet sobering thought of 

 being engaged in the great cause of the advancement of true 

 science, and cherishing the views and feelings which such a si" 

 tuation inspires, shall derive satisfaction and benefit from the oc- 

 casions of the present week. 



PROJECTED EXPEDITION INTO CENTRAL AFRICA*. 



We learn from, a " Prospectus'' laid before the public, that 

 Dr Smith proposes to direct in person a Scientific Expedition 

 into Central Africa, with the view of " elucidating the Geogra- 

 phy of these Regions, the nature of their productions, and the 

 advantages they may offer to Commercial enterprise." The 

 sum required to fit out the expedition is to be raised in shares 



• Sir James Macgrigor, Director-General of the Army Medical Depart- 

 ment, had the goodness to communicate to us the SoxiUt. African Journal, 

 from which this interesting account of the projected expedition into the Inte- 

 rior of Africa is extracted — Enit. 



