152 Proceedings of the Philosophical 



And if this, the most recent of all geologic periods is so utterly, in its 

 limits and duration, beyond mortal calculation, what of the vast series of 

 eras which preceded it ? The indefiniteness of time which geology 

 requires, is only equalled by the indefiniteness of space which astronomy 

 demands, and the twain only surpassed by the infinity of Him who actively 

 fills both with the evidences of his presence and his perfections. 



December 4ih, 1850. — Mr. Crum, the Vice-President, in the Chair. 



The following were admitted members of the Society, viz. : — Dr. John 

 Strang, city chamberlain, Dr. William B. Lorrain, Messrs. Robert Gray, 

 Hugh Heugh, Hermann L. Seligmann, Roger Hennedy, James P. Eraser, 

 John Muir Wood, James Taylor, John Macharg, James Reid, Thomas 

 Allan, James Stein, John Inglis. 



The Vice-President, in alluding to the subject of the communication of 

 papers to the Society, stated, that although the Society had been estab- 

 lished for the reading of original contributions on scientific subjects, it 

 was not the less desirable that members should bring under the notice of 

 the Society mechanical improvements and new applications of scientific 

 principles which might not strictly come under this description. 



Mr. Liddell added some remarks to the same effect, and recommended 

 the suggestion to the attention of the members. 



Mr. Bryce gave notice of a motion for a grant of money to the Clydes- 

 dale Naturalists' Association, to aid in the researches which they are at 

 present prosecuting, and some of the fruits of which would be submitted 

 to the Society in the paper now to be read. 



Mr. Bryce then read a paper " On the Lesmahagow and Douglas Coal 

 Field," which was illustrated by a map and section, and specimens of the 

 fossils. This paper will form part of the General Report. 



Mr. William Ferguson afterwards directed the attention of the Society 

 to some of the more characteristic fossils collected during the survey of 

 this portion of the coal measures. 



Letters, acknowledging the presentation of No. 2, Vol. III. of the 

 Society's printed proceedings, were received from the Secretary of the 

 Royal Society of London, the Secretary of the Liverpool Literary and 

 Philosophical Society, and the Secretaries of the Literary and Philoso- 

 phical Society of Manchester. 



December I8th, 1850. — The Vice-President in the Chair. 



The following were admitted members, viz.: — Messrs. Robert M'Ghie, 

 C.E., John Lawson, George Lyon, John Anderson, Charles M'Lean, John 

 Finlay, Robert Taylor. 



Mr. Bryce brought forward the motion of which he had given notice, 



