42 PROCEEDINGS OF Tl£E 



Consider, too, the vast energy which is expended on missionary' 

 undertakiugs, and reflect that thousands of our clerical teachers, 

 whatever their abilities, know practically nothing of science or 

 criticism, but continue to draw the most momentous conclusions 

 from premises preposterously weak. Under these circ'umstances 

 ought our men of science coldly, haughtily, disdainfully to stand 

 aloof from such a congress ? Ought they not rather to grapple 

 with the situation and force, if possible, au answer to the question 

 whether religion is the only science iu which the advancement of 

 knowledge and the discovery of truth are of no importance. 



From these agitating thoughts the hour warns me that I must 

 now abruptly turn to complete the shamefaced expression of my 

 personal gratitude. I had thought of many hypotheses to 

 account for the miracle of my position here to-day, but I renounce 

 them all in favour of this simple acknowledgment, that I am 

 steeped in "profound satisfaction at what I am fain to cherish aa 

 an act of affection on the part of former colleagues and present 

 companions in arms. It is au added charm that I have received 

 the Medal from the hands of one who, during four stirring years 

 of the Society's history, has presided over us with a wonderfully 

 genial, enlightened, and inspiriting grace, and has shown himself 

 to me, and no doubt to many others, invariably a warm-hearted 

 friend. 



The G-eneral Secretary then placed upon the table obituary 

 notices of deceased Fellows and others. 



Lieut.-Colonel Peain, F.E.S., then moved a vote of cordial 

 thanks to the retiring President for his valuable and unremitting 

 exertions for the good of the Society during his term of office, 

 which having been seconded by Mr. A. O. Walker was carried by 

 acclamation. 



OBITTJAEY NOTICES. 



Jose Vicente Barboza du Bocage was born in the island of 

 Madeira on the 2nd May, 1823. Shortly afterwards his father 

 was obliged to leave the island for political reasons and did not 

 return till 1834, when the Liberal party had finally triumphed. 



In 1839 Jose Vicente was sent to Portugal, to the University 

 of Coimbra, where he distinguished himself in Mathematics and 

 Medicine. He took his degree in 1846, when a revolution taking 

 place he enlisted in the Students' Battalion and served during 

 the year's campaign under General Povoas. Peace being restored. 

 Dr. Bocage settled in Lisbon and practised as a medical man, and 

 was appointed Surgeon to the principal Lisbon Hospital. 



