PEOCEEDINGS FOR 1884. XXIII 



Canada pi'osents exceptional conditions, demanding especial recognition in the verj- inception of the 

 plan of the new Society, which includes representatives of two great European races, with differences 

 of language and of national traditions. This is not the place to recall the heroic story of Fi-ench 

 colonization in Amcjica, of the work of its pioneers in discovery and civilization from the CTulf of St. 

 Lawrence to the Gulf of Mexico; nor of the conflict, transferred from the Old World to the New, 

 which ended in the conquest of Canada by Great Britain, and made its people, — while retaining their 

 language, their institutions, and their laws, — the loyal subjects of the British crown. The scholar, 

 however, notes as a result of all this, the existence in Canada of a people under the British flag, 

 cherishing the sentiment of their French nationality, and proud of the great nation from which they 

 sprang. Eemembering the glorious history of their ancestors on both continents, they have 

 preserved their language as a sacred trust, and by works of history, ci'iticism and poetry, have 

 created in Canada a French literature of which they may justly boast. The existence of this element 

 in the country required, as we have said, especial recognition, and hence in our Royal Society we find 

 a Section which is devoted to this native French literature, and wliich may become another Académie 

 française. 



Side by side with this in our Society is fijund a corresponding English Section, the members 

 of which, while not neglecting belles lettres, have before them a great field of usefulness in history 

 and ethnology, in which there is ample scope for the work alike of French and English students 

 in connection with our aboriginal races. Here the two Sections can work together harmoniously, 

 each in its own language, in antiquarian and prehistoric researches. Sucli studies serve to bridge 

 over the interval which in the popular apprehension separates literature from science. This 

 latter, in its wider sense, includes not only mathematical, physical, and chemical studies, but the 

 whole range of natural history and natural philosophy, embracing the three kingdoms of nature. 

 To give to tliese scientific pursuits due phice in the new Royal Society, and an equal weight with 

 literature, two corresponding Sections were established, among which, irrespective of language and 

 nationality, the members selected as representatives were divided: the third Section, including 

 mathematics, physics, and chemistry; and the fourth, goograjjhy, geology, and general natui'al 

 history. 



It is in the world of science that the importance of a national organization such as ours becomes 

 more especially evident. The man of letters may hope to find, in a publisher and a reading public, 

 encouragement and pecuniary recompense for his labour; but the student of science, though he may 

 perchance gain fame, has little hope for such rewards. Yet the field of study before him is vast. In 

 mathematics, in chemical and physical sciences are secrets untold which attract him ; while the natural 

 history of our vast territory provides material which it will require generations of ardent workers to 

 make fully known. The student of science asks only for generous criticism, and the means of publication. 

 As regards the latter, scientific pursuits have always, in these latter times, enjoyed the protection and 

 encouragement of enlightened states, and our own government, by its liberal grant for the printing of 

 Transactions, showed in advance its appreciation of the objects and aims of the new Royal Society. The 

 first volume, already before the world, will help to prove that we are not unworthy of the confidence 

 reposed in us, alike by our noble founder and by the representatives of the people. Among its con- 

 tributions to French and English letters, and to various departments of science, will be found not a 

 few which will do honour to the country and contribute to the reputation of our young Society. It is, 

 therefore, with satisfiaction at the success already achieved, and with confidence in the futiu-e, that we 

 are again met together, after two years of existence, for counsel and discussion. While we regret the 

 absence of our founder and first Honorary President, the Marquis of Lornc, we are consoled by the 

 consideration that your Excellency has been pleased to become his successor in the Presidency. The 

 traditions of your illustrious family, not less than your own high attainments, assure us that our 

 endeavours as members of this Society will not want your generous appreciation and your encourage- 

 ment. Be assured that it will be our task to make the Royal Society of Canada worthy of its high 



