THE BROOKLYN ETHICAL ASSOCIATION. 677 



the association." In order to popularize the conditions of mem- 

 bership the annual dues have been kept very low, being at pres- 

 ent only two dollars per annum. The conditions for non-resident 

 membership are similar to those for active membership, the dues 

 being the same, and non-resident members being entitled to receive 

 without further expense "publications of the association of a 

 value not exceeding the annual membership fee." Corresponding 

 membership, which does not involve any pecuniary obligation to 

 the association, is bestowed on such persons in sympathy with 

 its aims as the Board of Trustees may nominate and the associa- 

 tion elect. 



On the 5th day of February, 1891, the Brooklyn Ethical Asso- 

 ciation was duly incorporated under the laws of the State of New 

 York, its objects being stated as follows : 



"a. The scientific study of ethics, politics, economics, sociol- 

 ogy, religion, and philosophy, and also of physics and biology as 

 related thereto. 



" b. The application of the results of such studies to the prob- 

 lems of practical philanthropy and statesmanship. 



" c. The procurement, preparation, and delivery of popular 

 lectures, expositions, and discussions, and the circulation of the 

 same, together with other printed matter related to such subjects. 



" d. The promotion of unity and harmony among the friends 

 of progress by correspondence, friendly intercourse, and the ap- 

 plication of the scientific method to social, religious, and political 

 reforms. 



" e. The maintenance of a library for the purpose of more 

 effectually carrying out the objects of the association." 



The association long since outgrew whatever theological limi- 

 tation may have been presumably implied by its connection with 

 a Unitarian society. Its membership now includes a minority of 

 avowed Unitarians, together with orthodox Congregationalists, 

 Episcopalians, Catholics, Friends, and people of other diverse re- 

 ligious connections, as well as agnostics and liberals of various 

 stripes and degrees of belief or unbelief. 



The success of the association in recent years and the extension 

 of its work into new fields of practical investigation have been 

 due in no small degree to the faith, wisdom, energy, and enthusi- 

 asm of Mr. James Avery Skilton, for three years its correspond- 

 ing secretary and an untiring worker in its behalf. Mr. Skilton is 

 a member of Plymouth Church, a graduate of the Rensselaer Poly- 

 technic Institute of Troy, 1ST. Y., and the Wesleyan University of 

 Middletown, Conn., and with a thorough scientific education com- 

 bines a large experience in practical affairs and long acquaintance 

 and thorough sympathy with the doctrine of evolution as ex- 

 pounded by Mr. Spencer, Mr. Fiske, and its ablest advocates in 



