2 
attended some of the collegiate classes afterwards estab- 
lished there ; and subsequently, though deeply engaged in 
the turmoil of commercial life, went through the necessary 
studies, and became a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin. 
He was one of those who find time for much that lies 
outside of and beyond the usual routine of a life of busi- 
ness. From boyhood, he had a taste for classics, for con- 
tinental literature, and for different departments of physi- 
cal science. In 1821, he was one of the eight original 
members by whom this society was established. Of these, 
four only now remain alive: one is resident at London- 
derry, one ut Liverpool, and two in Belfast, who still con- 
tinue to take part in the various duties of your society. 
In 1830, when this building was in course of erection, Mr. 
MacAdam took an active part in the efforts which such an 
undertaking required. He wasa very regular attendant at 
our meetings, filled for many years the responsible post of 
honorary secretary, and held the office of president at the 
time of his lamented death, which took place on the Ist of 
June last. For forty years, it was his privilege and his 
pleasure to labour for the welfare of this society. He 
was one of the founders of the Botanic Garden, 
and took a warm interest in the educational and 
scientific institutions of his native town. His time 
was ever at the service of young men who were 
entering on scientific or literary pursuits, and who re- 
quired the encouragement and assistance of their seniors. 
For more than thirty years, he steadily pursued his geolo- 
gical investigations over a large portion of the North of 
Ireland, more especially in the adjacent Counties of Down 
and Antrim, and he acquired such a thorough knowledge 
of theirstructure that formany years pasthe was regarded as 
thelocalauthority on matters pertaining to geologicalinquiry. 
Our fellow-member, and for years our energetic and efficient 
honorary secretary, Dr. J. Bryce, now of Glasgow, was the 
companion of Mr. MacAdam in many of his investiga- 
tions. The two friends proposed to unite their efforts, and 
prepare a volume on the geology of the County Antrim, 
more especially on the interesting district which extends 
from Belfast to the Giant’s Causeway. But, although ma- 
terials for this purpose were sedulously collected, the book 
itself was never published. There is reason to hope that 
Dr. James Bryce will yet endeavour to fulfil the intentions 
of himself and his departed friend. Mr. MacAdam took 
part in certain inquiries set on foot, at different periods, 
with reference to the probability of discovering coal in the 
