Viii. TRANSACTIONS OF THE CANADIAN INSTITUTE. [Vol. VI. 
In 1863 a Medical Section was formed in connection with the Insti- 
tute. Meetings were regularly held and papers read, but after some 
time the medical members branched off and became a separate 
organization. 
Somewhat similar and about the same time was the origin of the 
Entomological Society. 
In 1871 a Historical Section was proposed, but no definite action was 
then taken. The same may be said as to proposals in a for a Field 
section and a Numismatic Section. 
In 1885 occurred the amalgamation with The Natural History Society. 
This union was of great advantage to both societies. For certain pur- 
poses the Natural History Society maintains its separate corporate 
existence, but as the Biological Section of the Institute it brought with 
it a valuable museum of Natural History and its members continue to 
do good work, especially among young men, by encouraging study and 
original investigation. 
In 1886 on the suggestion of Professor Ellis, who was then President, 
five other sections were formed, an Architectural, a Photographic, a 
_Philological, a Historical, and a Geological and Mining Section, as also 
an Ornithological sub-section of the Biological Section. These continued 
for some time to do good work, and out of the Architectural, ‘the 
Photographic and the Historical Sections, independent societies have 
developed, which still maintain a vigorous existence. 
In 1887 the Ontario Government commenced making an annual 
grant for Archeological research. The fund was for some years admin- 
istered under the supervision of the Institute, and entirely through the 
energetic labours of Mr. David Boyle a splendid Archeological Museum 
has been founded. The collection soon became far too large to be pro- 
perly exhibited in the Institute building, and it was therefore transferred 
to more ample quarters in the Department of Education. 
In 1888 a Sociological Committee was formed on the initiation of 
Mr. T. B. Browning, who, as chairman, conducted a series of enquiries 
into the social and political systems of our North-West Indians, the 
result being a considerable amount of interesting information. 
Summer sessions were held in 1890 at Niagara and in 1891 at 
Penetanguishene. 
