PROCEEDINGS FOR 1916 XV 
esteem, with which Dr. King was regarded by the Government, was a 
large factor in obtaining the consent to proceed with the work in 
1913. 
But this by no means ends the record of his scientific activities 
for it is practically wholly due to his persistent and able efforts and 
to his diplomatic and well timed action that Canada has now ener- 
getically undertaken a Geodetic Survey on the most modern lines and 
that we may soon hope to have a system of primary points accurately 
determined both in position and elevation over the principal settled 
portions of the country. 
Notwithstanding the administrative and technical work entailed 
by these three large departments, Boundary Surveys, the Obser- 
vatory, and Geodetic Surveys, Dr. King still found time to prepare 
many scientific papers for publication and in the earlier days computed 
valuable tables for use in various surveying operations. His paper 
on the “Geometry of Orbits” is a classic on the subject and pre- 
sented an entirely original and ingenious method of obtaining the 
elements of the orbit of a spectroscopic binary and this method is 
used here and elsewhere in binary work. 
Through all these manifold activities and honours, Dr. King 
maintained the same quiet, unassuming, even reticent manner. 
Outside of his own staff and those directly associated with him, very 
few people realized even faintly his great abilities and his magnificent 
scientific and public services, or had any adequate conception of the 
great and many sided scientific department he had built up. There 
is certainly no one in Canada who possesses his broad, varied and 
detailed knowledge of all branches of surveying and geodesy, of 
astronomy, and geophysics. | 
Dr. King was prominent in Church circles, having taken a very 
active part in the work of St. George’s Church, Ottawa, filling in 
succession all the important lay offices of the Parish, and was at the 
time of his death representative to the Provincial and General Synods. 
The Royal Society has lost an eminent and faithful member, 
the staff of the Astronomical Branch a most generous and considerate 
Chief, and Canada a devoted and valuable officer in the death of Dr. 
W. F. King. 
IV.—ADVISORY ASSISTANCE TO THE GOVERNMENT IN RESEARCH 
WORK 
One of the most important matters that will engage your atten- 
tion is the subject that was brought to your notice in a circular letter 
addressed to the Honorary Secretary by the President on February 
