880 president's address. 



to contend are lower tlian childish. How can you seriously dea. 

 with an antagonist who divides animals into poetical or senti- 

 mental alliances, as air population, water population, and earth 

 population 1 



And this brings me to two points of some importance to us all. 

 First : The absolute necessity of getting rid of sentimentality 

 and nebulosity of language in scientific subjects. In Science, 

 precise definition is the only virtue of language. However 

 elegant the phrase, if it be ambiguous, or even obscure, it is 

 mischievous, and that in proportion to its elegance. The second 

 point — which, like the first, is patent enough — is, that men may 

 live habitually in the society of scientific and accurate thinkers, 

 may acquire all the phraseology and cram of science, which is 

 generally called knowledge, may be able to discourse leaniedly 

 upon scientific subjects, and even to prosecute particular lines of 

 inquiry with success, without ever having gained the Scientific 

 spirit, or even formed a true conception of the Logic of 

 Philosophy. 



On the motion of the Hon. P. G. King, M.L.C, a unanimous 

 vote of thanks was accorded to the President for his valuable 

 Address. 



The Treasurer, the Hon. J. Norton, M.L.C, reported on the 

 financial condition of the Society, showing a credit balance of 

 £140 Os. 8d. 



On the motion of Dr. Cox, a vote of thanks was carried by 

 acclamation to the Hon. W. Macleay, M.L.C, F.L.S., &c , in 

 recognition of his eminent services to the Society, and with 

 especial reference to his munificent donation of the Hall in which 

 the meeting was held. 



The President reported that Dr. von Lendenfeld had made the 

 Society a donation of a painting in oils, with key, representing a 

 number of new Sponges and Medusge which he had examined and 



