1852.] OF THE ROYAL INSTITUTION. 169 
love of the science now so general; of having done so amongst all 
grades and classes of students; of having, therefore, fulfilled one of 
our principal objects. 
«« As to the lectures in this theatre, I must not pretend to conceal 
from you that I relinquish them with regret. The teaching of che- 
mistry here has always been a delight to me; and to have success- 
fully taught it for so extended a period, and to such an audience, 
has been, and indeed can be, the privilege of a very few; and believe 
me, I duly appreciate it, and that I look back with feelings, which 
I cannot represent in words, at the confidence which the successive 
Managers of this Institution have placed in me; and at the uninter- 
rupted kindness and attention with which my imperfect endeavours 
to set forth the truths of chemical science in their varied relations, 
as evidences of the wisdom, power, and beneficence of the Creator 
on the one hand, —and, on the other, in their multifarious bearings 
upon the sister sciences and upon the useful arts, have been re- 
ceived. 
“« There are also other considerations which necessarily press them- 
selves upon me at the present moment, arising out of a retrospect of 
the very large portion of my life which has been passed within these 
walls, and as an officer of this establishment. I rejoice in leaving 
it, in all respects, more prosperous than at any former period; its 
scientific fame more pre-eminent ; its foundations more secure; its 
halls more frequented ; its usefulness more acknowledged; and I 
cannot help discerning in this Institution one fertile source of that 
popularity of science, and extension of schools for scientific instruc- 
tion, which so peculiarly distinguish the present age, and has more 
especially manifested itself in this mighty metropolis. 
“* Looking personally at the Royal Institution, I revere it, as my 
alma mater, where as a schoolboy I listened to the fruitful eloquence 
of Davy, and afterwards partook of his acquaintance and friendship ; 
where I acquired the patronage of Sir Joseph Banks; where I was 
singled out by Wollaston as his successor in the secretaryship of the 
Royal Society ; where I came into the frequeat contact of the chiefs 
of science, and of literature and art; where Faraday became my 
pupil, colleague, and friend. These, I assure you, are only a 
very few of the proud and pleasing reminiscences which accompany 
me from this place; and they are unsullied and unalloyed; they 
have never been clouded, tainted, or embittered. J again, therefore, 
thank you for all your partiality and kindness; and in gratitude to 
Providence, in whose hands are all the issues of our lives, I respect- 
fully beg you to accept my affectionate farewell.” 
The Secretary being then called to the Chair, it was moved by 
Sir Charles Clarke, Bart., seconded by John Pepys, Esq., and car- 
ried unanimously, that the thanks of the Meeting be returned to 
Professor Brande for the great benefits which the Institution had 
derived from the zeal, ability, and urbanity, with which he had dis- 
charged the duties of his office during the long period of thirty-nine 
years. 
