synopsis of proceedings. 245 



of the origin and destiny of man. It thus appears that the scientists 

 and ecclesiastics are working on parallel lines, toward the solution of 

 the same problem — the one seeking the true interpretation of God's 

 revelation, the other of God's creation, and while there have been 

 religious bigots who have burned the Brunos, and persecuted the 

 Galileos of science, it is no less true that there are also scientific 

 "bigots" who, because of some errors of ecclesiasticism, seek to de- 

 stroy all religion. 



In now retiring from this honorable position, I will call attention to 

 the fact that the wise practice has prevailed in the Academy of observ- 

 ing the rule of annual rotation in filling the office of President, and I 

 believe the only departure from this custom since the reorganization of 

 the institution was at the last election, when, because of the contro- 

 versy then pending, it was deemed desirable to continue the manage- 

 ment. The proceedings of this meeting, therefore, will conclude my 

 second term in the position of President, and I am gratified at being 

 able to state that, through the energy and zeal of its active members, 

 the interests of the Academy have been greatly advanced during this 

 period, and that this society now occupies an enviable position in the 

 world of science. The high rank it has attained, however, entails upon 

 its members increased responsibilities, and should inspire them to en- 

 gage only in genuine scientific work. The standing of the Academy 

 has now become so conspicuous, and its proceedings so closely watched, 

 its members cannot afford to relax their efforts, or lower their aim, but 

 should labor earnestly, honestly, persistently, to retain its advanced 

 position, and so to realize the high ideals entertained by the founders 

 of the institution. 



The election of officers was next in order, and balloting resulted as 

 follows : 



President — Charles E. Harrison. 

 First Vice-President — J. B. Phelps. 

 Second Vice-President — Dr. L. French. 

 Recording Secretary — Dr. Jennie McCowen. 

 Corresponding Secretary — Charles E. Putnam. 

 Treasurer — Nicholas Kuhnen. 

 Curator — W. H. Pratt. 

 Librarian — H. A. Pilsbry. 

 Trustees — 1st, Prof. W. H. Barris; 2d, G. P. McClelland; 3d, 

 J. B. Phelps; 4th, C. E. Putnam. To fill vacancy, W. H. Pratt. 



Mr. Harrison was then escorted to the chair, and in a few well-chosen 

 remarks thanked the members for the honor conferred upon him. 



A rising vote of thanks was extended to Mr. Putnam for the ability 

 with which he has guided the affairs of the Academy during the two 

 years of his incumbency. 



