30 
Extracts were given from the article respecting him and 
Robert Bowman, of Irthington, Cumberland, who completed his 
115th year in 1820, and whose case was for 40 years under the 
notice of the Societies of Edinburgh. 
Two cases in the County of Sussex had been proved, viz., 
Mary Constable, whose baptismal register had been seen by 
Archdeacon Otter, at Cowfold, by which she appeared to have 
attained the age of 101 ; and Mary Luxford, baptised at Hailsham 
in 1758, who reached the age of 101. 
There were still living several beyond 90 who were making up 
to the century. Thus, Mrs. Glaisyer, mother of the last year’s Pre- 
sident, was 95; and Thos. Andrews, baptised at Hellingly, Decem- 
ber 11, 1774, was now over 95. Dr. Barker saw a copy of the re- 
gister taken in 1814, and saw Andrews a few days since in vigorous 
health. Phoebe Hessel, by her tombstone, was said to be 108 ; 
but the register of her birth is wanting. The late Sake Deen Ma- 
hommed, who died 24th February, 1851, was reported to be 102; but 
he came from a country where registers are not kept. 
Thos. Guerin, who is said to have attained his 104th year on 
the 14th of May last, is reported to have been baptised in the parish 
of Skariff, Co. Clare. Attempts have been made to obtain his 
baptismal register, but without success at present. Perhaps the 
action of the Society, through some scientific Society in that 
county, might clear up this point. In a pamphlet published 
about Guerin, who might be seen daily on the cliff, he is reported 
as being born May 14th, 1766. 
The question naturally arose, not why some lived so long, 
but why so many die? Medical evidence showed that most died 
of disease, and not of natural causes. Further enquiry might lead 
to the reason why some lived so long. 
In the course of discussion, the case of William J. Liining, 
of Merton College, who died at the age of 103, was cited as a case 
which had been proved. 
Mr. Rosertson exhibited fruit of the snail plant, which 
exactly resembles a snail in appearance. This plant is very 
common in the South of France. 
In alluding to the Dredging expedition of the preceding 
