ADDRESS. Ixxix 



long since we last assembled here ; — I refer to the discovery of the effects of 

 chloroform on the animal system; one which claims for my friend Dr. Simp- 

 son of Edinburgh a high place indeed among the benefactors of mankind. 

 Chloroform as a mere chemical composition had indeed been known before, 

 and had been made the subject of elaborate research by the distinguished 

 French chemist, M. Dumas, whom we have here the honour of receiving as 

 a guest. But the discovery of its application is not the less a triumph of 

 science, and of the best and highest scientific faculties. Seldom indeed has 

 that disposition of mind which is ever ready to receive a chance suggestion, 

 and to pursue it believing what great things we have yet to learn, been 

 crowned with a more brilliant and direct reward. 



It marks the growing sense entertained of the value of Statistical research, 

 that, during the late session of Parliament, a committee of the House of Lords 

 sat for a considerable time on the best means of securing a complete system 

 of Agricultural Returns. We owe much in this matter to the exertions of the 

 Highland Society of Scotland, and, as has been specially recorded by the 

 committee, to the zeal and activity of their able secretary, Mr. Hall Max- 

 well. We owe not less, also, to the high intelligence of the farmers of Scot- 

 land generally, who have rendered eveiy assistance in their power, and that 

 with a willingness which can only arise from an enlightened appreciation of 

 the great objects to be gained by the inquiry. 



No one has rendered more important service to Statistical science, in one 

 of its n;ost interesting departments, than the able Chamberlain of this city, 

 Dr. Strang. His periodical Reports on the Growth and Progress of Glasgow 

 are among the most curious and useful records of the kind which have been 

 published in any part of the United Kingdom. I need hardly say that they 

 supply materials for much reflection on many questions connected with the 

 social welfare of the people. I believe Dr. Strang has lately visited Paris, 

 with a view to communicate to this Meeting of the Association various facts 

 connected with the great improvements which are in the course of progress 

 in that city. Should his investigations cast any light on the best means of 

 improving the dwellings of the labouring classes in the great centres of popu- 

 lation, and on the possibility of doing so on a large scale, by public authority, 

 he will have rendered no small service to his country in a matter of vital 

 interest and of much difficulty. 



Closely connected with the subject of Statistics, as applied to Agricultural 

 returns, I am happy to say that, mainly owing to the exertions of Sir J. 

 Forbes of Fettercairn, and of Mr. Milne Home, a Meteorological Society for 

 Scotland has been established, warmly seconded by the Highland Society. 

 The wonderful results on a great scale which have been obtained in this de- 

 partment of science by Lieut. Maury of the United States, give us ground 

 to hope that even on the small areas of individual countries, where of course, 

 from the crossing of local influences, the general result is infinitely com- 

 plicated, some approach may be made towards ascertaining the laws which 

 regulate the seasons. 



The admirable agency which is now afforded by the Kew Committee of 

 this Association, for the verification of instruments, and by the new meteoro- 

 logical department of the Board of Trade under Capt. FitzRoy, for the reduc- 

 tion of local observations, will, I trust, be taken advantage of by the new 

 Scottish Society. I cannot help congratulating the Association on the posi- 

 tion which has been secured by science in connexion with both of these 

 establishments. The thanks of the commercial as well as of the scientific 

 world are due to Colonel Sabine and the other members of the Kew Com- 

 mittee, whose assistance is now highly appreciated by practical men, and 



