XXvi THIRD REPORT — ISSti. 



" I mention these as specimens only of the points to which 

 we may more particularly direct our attention. I will only 

 observe, in addition, that if some studies, as for instance those 

 of Natural History and Physiology, appear hitherto to have 

 occupied less space in our proceedings than their importance 

 and interest might justly demand, this has occurred because 

 the Reports on other subjects appeared more easy to obtain in 

 the first instance ; and the balance will I trust be restored at 

 the present Meeting. I need not add anything further on this 

 subject. Among an assembly of persons such as are now met 

 in this place, there can be no doubt that the most important 

 and profound questions of science in its existing state will be 

 those which will most naturally occur in our assemblies and 

 discussions. It merely remains for me to congratulate the As- 

 sociation upon the circumstances under which it is assembled ; 

 and to express my persuasion that all of us, acting under the 

 elevating and yet sobering thought of being engaged in the 

 great cause of the advancement of true science, and cherishing 

 the views and feelings which such a situation inspires, shall 

 derive satisfaction and benefit from the occasions of the present 

 week." 



Mr. Whewell having concluded his Address, the Meeting 

 adjourned, after electing by a general vote the candidates who 

 had been approved by the Council and by the General Com- 

 mittee. 



At eight P.M., the Members having reassembled in the Senate- 

 house, Mr. Taylor read a Report on the state of our know- 

 ledge respecting Mineral Veins, which was followed by a general 

 discussion on the nature and origin of veins. 



On Wednesday at one p.m., the Chairmen of the Sections hav- 

 ing read the minutes of their proceedings to the Meeting, the 

 Rev. G. Peacock delivered a brief abstract of his Report on 

 the state of the Theory of Algebra. Professor Lindley read a 

 Report on the state of Physiological Botany; and Mr. G. Ren- 

 nie on the state of Practical Hydi-aulics. Auditors were ap- 

 pointed to examine the accounts. 



On Thursday, at one p.m., the auditors reported the state 

 of the accounts. The Chairmen of the Sections read the mi- 

 nutes of their proceedings. Professor Christie read a Report 

 on the present state of our knowledge respecting the Magnetism 

 of the Earth. A summary of the contents of a Report on the 

 state of knowledge as to the Strength of Materials, by Pro- 



