294 PROCEEDINGS OF PROVINCIAL SOCIETIES. 



DONCASTER LYCEUM. 



This Literary and Scientific Institution rose into existence in 

 •December, 1834. A desire of union for intellectual purposes had 

 partially manifested itself, at intervals, in the town ; and a small 

 degree of exertion was alone wanting to carry it into effect. A few 

 individuals consequently met, and a public meeting subsequently 

 took place, at which the mayor presided; when an introductory ad- 

 dress was delivered by E. Scholfield, Esq., M.D., and the society 

 established. A provisional committee having been nominated and 

 a room engaged, on the sixth of January, 1835, the first general 

 meeting of the society was held. 



It w r as found that several of the most respectable residents, in- 

 cluding the vicar and nearly all the professional gentlemen, were on 

 the list of members : its stability was thus considered secure at the 

 outset. Rules and regulations, previously drawn up, were submit- 

 ted and adopted ; and presiding officers and a committee appointed 

 for the then current year. 



The plan of this institution is comprehensive, and its views ex- 

 tend to general utility. It has two subscription lists ; the one of 

 annual members, at £1, — the other of quarterly, at 10s., in four 

 payments; the latter for young persons and others, whose cir- 

 cumstances demand consideration ; but, when admitted members, 

 the privileges are equal. The admission is by written proposal and 

 vote by ballot. 



The society is governed by a president, vice-presidents, and com- 

 mittee, elected annually. The presidents hitherto have been, the 

 Rev. John Sharpe, D.D., and Henry Bower, Esq., F.S.A. ; the 

 vice-presidents, E. B. Denison and John Branson, Esqrs., and Br. 

 Scholfield. Its committee of twelve members are chosen six from 

 each class of subscribers ; the treasurer and secretary apart ; and all 

 by ballot. Ladies, on payment of 7s« annually, are likewise en- 

 titled to attend the reading of lectures and papers. 



The proceedings have differed little from the ordinary course. 

 Periodicals have been provided, and a library, commencing with do- 

 nations, has been increased by purchase ; but it is not at present ex- 

 tensive. Lectures, on various subjects of science and literature, have 

 been delivered by members of the society ; and professed lecturers 

 occasionally engaged. Papers have also been read and discussed ; 

 and thus opportunities afforded of elucidating, by a comparison of opi- 

 nions, subjects within the scope of its plan, from which politics and 

 controversial divinity are strictly excluded. A common feeling has 

 been evinced of the advantage of a central place of communication, 

 where men engaged in various pursuits or avocations, may unite for 

 purposes of universal interest, the cultivation of knowledge, and the 

 spread of refinement, although they may differ on^passing events 

 and ordinary circumstances. 



A museum forms part of the plan of the institution; but until of 

 late, owing to the limited extent and insecure tenure of the pre- 



