XXXVI REPOR?T—1848. 
In our last volume is a communication of a highly interesting and instruct- 
ive nature on the microscopic structure of shells, by Dr. Carpenter, for the 
illustration of which by numerous excellent plates the Association has gone 
to a considerable expense. I believe this to be a most judicious expenditure. 
The subject is one of the highest interest, not only in itself, and as affording 
the means of identifying fragments of shells in rocks where they are rare, 
but also in connexion with the analogous inquiries of Prof. Owen into the 
structure of teeth. The microscope seems every day to rise into increased 
importance as a scientific instrument, affording the physiologist the same 
means of penetrating into the depths of organization that the telescope gives 
the astronomer to pierce into the depths of space. I am sure you will be 
glad to know that a public body, the Trustees of the British Museum, have 
paid Dr. Carpenter the compliment of appointing him to a lectureship founded 
in the most liberal manner by the late Dr. Swiney. I believe, Gentlemen, 
you will yourselves have the pleasure of hearing him give an oral exposition 
of his investigations. 
Iam sure, Gentlemen, that the members of the British Association must 
have derived the liveliest satisfaction from what I may call one of the princi- 
pal events in science that has occurred since our last meeting ;—I mean the 
publication by Sir John Herschel of the results of his arduous labours at the 
Cape of Good Hope. We cannot indeed associate our body in any way with 
that great scientific enterprise. It was undertaken at no suggestion from us 
or from any other scientific society. Its author was influenced alone by his 
own love of science and by the desire to complete the labour of his illustrious 
father; and I believe that in truth the son had more to do with it than-the 
philosopher,—and science will be proud that it was so. Though, however, 
we cannot derive any glory to the British Association from Sir John Her- 
schel’s brilliant success in the Southern Hemisphere, we may still be proud of 
him as one of our earliest members,—as one to whom we bade adieu on the 
banks of the Cam at our third meeting, then welcomed again at our fifteenth 
as our President. Welcome, indeed, his presence must be on whatever 
occasion he may come amongst us! 
Although the British Association did not take any active part in the re- 
commendation of the Expedition sent out by the Government under Sir John 
Franklin, and have therefore not the same immediate interest in its success 
that they had in Sir James Ross’s Expedition into the South Polar region, 
yet [ am sure that we must all feel the most anxious desire for the safety of 
our gallant countrymen. I wish it was in my power to give you any satis- 
factory information on this point. Alas! I cannot do so. I can do no more 
than express the hope that the same gracious Providence which shielded Sir 
