- 
THOMAS ROMNEY ROBINSON, D.D., Presivent, 
in the Chair. 
142 
JUNE 23RD, 1851. 
JoserpH Napier Hicerns, Esq., was elected a Member of 
the Academy. 
Lord Talbot de Malahide, on the part of the subscribers, 
presented the collection of Irish manuscripts purchased by 
them from Sir William Betham. 
The following letter, from the Rev. R. V. Dixon, was read 
by the Secretary: 
‘¢ West Chapel-Buildings, Trinity College, 
¢ June 23, 1851. 
«¢ Sirrn,—As I am about to make an attempt to realize a 
project which I have had in contemplation for some time, and 
in which I must look for success, mainly, to the co-operation 
of persons interested in scientific pursuits, I am anxious to 
bring the subject under the notice of the Members of the Royal 
Srish Academy, with the hope that they will kindly assist 
me in carrying it out. The project to which I refer is the 
establishment of a cabinet or museum for the reception of 
philosophical instruments and apparatus fallen into disuse, 
and discarded in consequence of subsequent improvements. 
‘‘T need not dwell upon the importance of such a col- 
lection. It would serve admirably to illustrate the progress 
of science in any department in which it could be rendered 
tolerably complete; and I am disposed to think, that this 
could be effected in several to a greater extent than might at 
first sight appear possible. For, notwithstanding the loss of 
many interesting articles which has already taken place, and is 
daily occurring, owing chiefly to the want of such a cabinet as 
that which I propose establishing, I have reason to believe that 
