Vlll. 



reward or punishment which may follow — certainly with no reference to 

 such scandalous maxims as, "Honesty is the best policy." He does good 

 as the bird sings its song. The quality of his ancestry and the circum- 

 stances of his early life have conspired to produce a man who does good 

 because he is good. 



It is precisely this state of affairs which results in the highest develop- 

 ment of science. As mental cultivation becomes more widely diffused, 

 not only are the individuals more likely to learn of their own tastes, but 

 the probability that the capable man will get the proper cultivation is 

 vastly increased. And this cultivation is not that which enables one to 

 spell correctly and behave himself elegantly in society, or to enjoy elegant 

 manners and fine painting and grand music and high mathematical anal- 

 ysis. A cultivated man, like a cultivated field, is one who is prepared to 

 yield fruit, and the best evidence of the cultivation is furnished in the pro- 

 duction of the fruit. 



Such a state of affairs represents a growth. We have not yet reached 

 it, and it cannot be reached at once. We must not expect it. But every 

 year is increasing the number of persons who take an intelligent and 

 rational interest in intellectual affairs, and who appreciate science not 

 merely because of the material wealth it brings, but because of its enno- 

 bling and elevating influence upon the human mind. 



During the last year we have held 17 meetings, at which 27 subjects 

 have been presented and discussed. Nine associate members have been 

 elected, and one has died ; and I am sure that I express the sentiments 

 of all when I say we shall greatly miss the genial presence of Charles 

 Shaler Smith. 



The reports of the Corresponding Secretary and of the Trea- 

 surer were read. 



The election of officers for the year 1SS7 resulted as follows: 



'President — Francis E. Nipher. 



\st Vice-President — Dr. Leete. 



zd Vice-President — Mr. M. L. Gray. 



Corresponding Secretary — Dr. Edw. Evers. 



Recording Secretary — Mr. E. A. Engler. 



Treasurer — Dr. Enno Sander. 



^ , ( Chas. Liideking, 



Curators, \ a c 1 1 



I Jas. A. Seddon. 



Librarian — Dr. G. Hambach. 



President Nipher appointed Messrs. Engler, Leete, and Jas. A. 

 Seddon, Committee on Programme. 



