2 PRESIDENT S ADDRESS. 



whose territory and under whose flag we are met, whose hospi- 

 tality we enjoy, are among the oldest and most loyal friends of 

 our own land and race. 



Yet more I We are met among a people who owe their 

 unique national history, a history of whch they may well be 

 proud, not to the waging of great wars, not to political intrigue 

 and dexterity, but to a long succession of brilliant discoveries, to 

 the epoch-making achievements of a galaxy of heroes of gallant 

 adventure. 



The future we know not ! The past alone is certain, and so 

 long as time runs, the pioneer work accomplished by many sons 

 of Lusitania, in Maritime Discovery, in Travel, in Science, will 

 be an ornament in their own history and an inspiration to all who 

 set forth new worlds to discover. 



We can never forget that it was Portugal that first lifted the 

 curtain from off this fair southern land, that set great highways 

 across the seas, that gave to the round earth of ours its true 

 proportions. 



As an Association we are glad to be allowed to have our first 

 meeting outside British territory in a land so neighbourly, among 

 a people so friendly, and amidst traditions so worthy and 

 inspiring. 



Ten years ago Sir David Gill concluded his presidential 



address with these words : — 



"Science knows no nationality. It forms a meeting ground on which 

 men of every race are brethren working together for a common end — and 

 that end is truth." 



It is in this spirit that I welcome all to these meetings of our 

 Association, not as units divided by language, or race, or tradi- 

 tion, or history, or even conditions, but as workers bound together 

 by common aims and ideals, and inspired by a common faith and 

 purpose. Truth, it is well said, is a diamond of many facets. 

 And when one remembers its many manifestations, and how 

 peculiar is the light and setting required to reveal its beauty, one 

 is timorous lest his exhibition of it may conceal and obscure that 

 which he wishes to declare and intensify. 



My purpose to-night is to have you as comrades with me in 

 the belief that a splendid work is being done in South Africa in 

 scientific research and enquiry, to make it clear that achievements 

 great and worthy are being won along every road and path of 

 scientific investigation in this land ; to make it clear to you that 

 we have witnessed, and have been vicariously partakers in 

 triumphs as great as any country can show. 



The history of our own Association, a view of the names on 

 our register, and the labour and achievement that these names 

 suggest, is my most efficacious argument in this claim I make on 

 your behalf. 



