SESSION 1900-1901. 



WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10th, 1900. 



INAUGURAL ADDRKSS 



BY 



Mr. W. CLARKSON WALLIS 



(President), on 



'' Z\)C Hmateut in Science/' 



I DO not fail to remember, in taking this Presidential Chair, 

 that it has been occupied in former years by Presidents 

 of the Society, some of whom have distinguished themselves in 

 scientific research, and others who, as members of learned pro- 

 fessions, keeping in touch with the course and progress of dis- 

 covery, have been able in their inaugural addresses to present an 

 exhaustive restime of the latest developments of science. 



But I assume the honourable office, which by your courtesy 

 has been conferred upon me, not in the capacity of one able in 

 any degree to add to the sum of knowledge as these have done 

 before me ; but as representing those who are content, and who 

 have to be content from the circumstances of their lives, or the 

 extent of their abilities, to be simply amateurs in science. I 

 use the word " Amateur " in the sense of one loving the pursuit, 

 but following it without vocation, without fixed purpose, profit- 

 ing by the labours and researches of others rather than his own. 

 They are — 



" Pickers-up of learning's crumbs 

 The not incurious of God's handiwork ; " 



or to use a word not perhaps euphonious but expressive, smat- 

 terers in science. 



Whilst the membership roll of the Society embraces many 

 who are well versed in scientific matters, there is, I believe I 

 may say without undue depreciation, a large number who may 

 be thus classed. 



Cowper, in a too modest disclaimer of his right to assume 

 the title of poet, describes himself as one — 



" Happy to roam among poetic flowei-s, 

 Though poor in skill to rear them." 



I now speak of those to whom, substituting the word scientific for 



