]xxvili PROCEEDINGS. 
fortunately the key to the organic compounds and can read causes for 
resemblances and differences. The study of these has been of vast 
importance to the commercial world, but here isa field unwrought, 
not for want of workers, but by the very difficulty of the work challeng- 
ing attack. I believe that here lies the key which once found will 
unlock many of the mysteries of the chemical world. And one thing is 
certain, the skill required to explain the mystery will give such power 
and grasp to the discoverer that he will with ease unroll the panorama 
of the elemental field and place it under man’s open vision. 
The unfolding of the mystery of the rare earths is not only necessary, 
then, to complete the Periodic system but they evidently conceal 
some chemical truth not known or imperfectly understood, and so 
not properly applied by chemists. Moreover, judging from the 
number of elements claimed as rare earths and their resemblance 
to each other, it is possible that they will overcrowd the Periodic system 
and compel its modification or rejection. 1n either case the examination 
will lead to large additions to the world’s scientific knowledge, to truth, 
the aim of all true scientists. 
The subject was discussed by several of those present, and a vote of 
thanks was presented to Dr. MacgE. 
Watson L. Bisnop, Esq., exhibited a collection of Nova Scotian 
birds’ eggs, and made remarks thereon. 
SEVENTH ORDINARY MEETING. 
Legislative Council Chamber, Halifax, 13th May, 1901. 
The PRESIDENT in the chair. 
On motion of Pror. E. Haycoox, seconded by Pror. E. MacKay, it 
was resolved that the the N. S. Institute of Science recognize as subordi- 
nate branches, local organizations of its members in particular sections of 
the Province, formed for the purpose of encouraging scientific study and 
investigation; providing that such orgonizations are active and report 
yearly at the annual business meeting of the Institute. Members of 
such recognized branch societies who pay a yearly fee of one dollar to 
the parent society shall be entitled to all the rights and privileges of 
ordinary members of the Institute. 
