1854.] OF THE ROYAL INSTITUTION. 433 
one of its class which holds out a prospect of eliminating the germs 
of truth contained in the conflicting theories at present more or less 
in vogue, and the only one with which the presence of species of 
any group of organized beings at any geological epoch will not 
disagree, are surely considerations that should secure for it a friendly 
reception. If it be as true, as I believe it to be, then the truth that 
it contains is most important; if it prove in the end to be a mis- 
interpretation, it will at least have served the good purpose of 
stimulating inquiry in a fresh direction. 
[E. F.] 
ANNUAL MEETING, 
Monday, May 1. 
WiuraM Pots, Esq., M.A., F.R.S., Treasurer and Vice-President, 
in the Chair. 
The Annual Report of the Committee of Visitors was read, and 
adopted.—It states that the Contributions from Members and An- 
nual Subscribers in 1853 have been very satisfactory, as well as 
the Receipts for attendance at the courses of Lectures. The total 
Receipts amounted to £4428, being an increase of Income beyond 
that of any preceding year ; in consequence of which the Managers 
have been enabled to make investments to the extent of £600. 
The appointment of Dr. Tyndall on the 4th of July, 1858, as Pro- 
fessor of Natural Philosophy in the Royal Institution, the Visitors 
consider will tend to elevate the character of the Institution. 
A List of Books Presented accompanies the Report, amounting in 
number to about 290 volumes, and making a total, with those pur- 
chased by the Managers and Patrons, of more than 1100 volumes 
(including Periodicals) added to the Library in the year. 
Thanks were voted to the President, Treasurer, and Secretary, to 
the Committees of Managers and Visitors, and to Professor Faraday, 
for their services to the Institution during the past year. 
The following Gentlemen were unanimously elected as Officers 
for the ensuing yea : — 
Presipenr — The Duke of Northumberland, K.G. F -R.S. 
TREASURER — William Pole, Esq. M.A. F.R.S. 
SEcrRETARY — Rey. John Barlow, M.A. F.R.S. 
