many contributions furnished by this gentleman to the Trans- 

 actions or Proceedings of the Society, the Council do not in 

 this place refer to them otherwise than to express their sense 

 of the value of the labour which he exerted in the cause of 

 science. To decide on the merit of those papers is the pro- 

 vince of others. 



The Guardians of the scientific character of the Society, — 

 the Committee of Publication, — well know how much of its 

 scientific reputation is due to the patient care in revising the 

 press, the diligence in examining the plates and proofs of en- 

 gravings, to that general attention to minute particulars af* 

 forded in the judicious and skilful superintendence of their 

 late Secretary. 



In truth there were united in him attainments seldom found 

 even when separate, but most rare and powerful in combi- 

 nation : wide comprehensiveness of observation and pene- 

 trating accuracy of discernment. 



The genius and high integrity of this ever-lamented friend 

 of the Society were united with singular amiability and gentle- 

 ness of disposition. He died after a short illness, scarcely 

 consenting to relinquish the fulfilment of the duties of his 

 office when physical strength was wanting to perform them. 



The Council have a melancholy satisfaction in recording 

 the manifestation of respect exhibited by the Fellows of the 

 Society to the memory of their Secretary. The first meeting 

 for scientific business which occurred after his decease was ad- 

 journed in consequence of that melancholy event, and at the 

 monthly General Meeting next ensuing, September 1, 18S6, 

 a resolution, of which the following is a copy, was unanimously 

 carried. 



" It was moved by Joseph C. Cox, Esq., seconded by 

 N. A. Vigors, Esq., and unanimously resolved, 



" That this Meeting deeply lament the announcement 

 which has been made in the Report of the death of the late 

 Secretary Mr. Edward Turner Bennett; and they desire to 

 record their deep sense of the loss which the Society and 



