2 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 



scientific works has been made to the library, and a considerable increase to the 

 membership can now be reported. Numerical power does not, indeed, constitute 

 our real strength, unless, as it is hoped and believed in this case, our new associates 

 bring to the pursuits of the Society earnestness of mind, and habits of vigorous and 

 continued application. 



In the latter part of 1853, monthly conversaziones were proposed as likely to 

 stimulate and improve the members. The new year was commenced with these 

 meetings, and the plan has been carried out with great spirit and advantage. The 

 attention of the members has been successively turned to such objects as u The 

 Armagh Marble," u The Atmosphere," " Gold, and what effects are likely to result 

 from its increased supplies," " Coal, what is it?" " The Geology of Armagh and 

 its neighbourhood." Much information has been conveyed, and deep interest 

 awakened, as may be inferred from the fact that the last-named topic formed the 

 subject of three conversaziones. The advantages of such meetings are obvious. 

 Those who might shrink from the elaborate preparation of a paper, can thus con- 

 vey the results of their reading and observation, and either remove difficulties or 

 give explanations with all the freedom of ordinary intercourse. Familiarity with 

 the vocabulary of science is acquired, and the power of conveying thought by speech 

 is cultivated and improved. He who estimates aright the proportion of his ideas 

 derived from conversation will fully appreciate the excellence of this arrangement. 



The energies of the Society have not been flowing in this direction only, several 

 papers having been read by its members. A subject of deep interest to us as Irishmen 

 was vigorously and clearly treated by Mr. Kay, in an essay on "Self-reliance, in 

 relation to the Improvement of Ireland." Attention was gracefully and ably called 

 by the Rev. Wm. Anderson to u the advantages to be derived by non-professional 

 men, from an acquaintance with the principles of Mental Science." With his 

 accustomed practical interest in the Society's operations, the Rev. George Robinson 

 delivered a deeply-interesting lecture on u Botany ;" followed by the Rev. Mr. 

 M'Alister, in a valuable paper on the subject of u Light." An essay by the Rev. 

 Wm. Henderson, on " First Truths, their character and importance," formed the 

 last of these important contributions the only thing to be regretted about any of 

 them being the limited attendance of the members and their friends. 



It will be seen that among these, two lecturers entered upon the Society's philo- 

 sophical department. It is hoped that others will follow in the same direction. 

 Kight views of the science of mind are of the last importance to the successful cul- 

 tivation of any other science. As foolish it would be to suppose that a man can 

 be a good astronomer who does not understand the nature and construction of his 

 telescopes, as to expect any branch of physics to be pursued with accuracy and 

 success without a due acquaintance with the mental instrument by which the objects 

 of all the sciences alike are defined, arranged, and measured. 



The expectation of a course of lectures on u Geology," during the year, was 

 confidently entertained, application having been duly made to the Royal Dublin 

 Society 'From peculiar circumstances, however, in connection with the election 

 of the Committee for provincial lectures, the result of that application has not yet 

 been officially notified. Your Committee do not, however, abandon the hope of 

 such a course, the advantages of which, if duly appreciated, must be obvious. 



The necessity of affording to the country members increased facilities for pro- 

 curing books from the library, and the propriety of opening the reading-room 

 every evening in the week, having been brought under the consideration of 

 the Committee, these subjects were referred to the opinion of the members 

 specially convened for that purpose. The Committee recommended that a paid 

 officer should be appointed for the purpose of taking charge of the library 

 and reading-room, that the reading-room should be open to the members 

 from seven to ten o'clock every evening, and that on Tuesdays, for the more 

 especial convenience of country members, the library and reading-room should 

 be accessible during the hours of one and four o'clock. The Committee feel 

 great pleasure m stating that these suggestions were unanimously approved of 

 by the members ; and since the appointment of such officer, and the introduction of 

 these arrangements, the advantages connected with the reading-room have been, 

 and are more highly appreciated, and the books in the library more sought after 



