PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 161 



and concentrate native talent, they afford to the community at small 

 cost, the advantages arising from united scientific research. Unless 

 the labours of science are appreciated and in some degree rewarded, 

 they will necessarily cease to be so actively exerted. We could have 

 wished to have seen the valuable museum of Mr. Weaver (lately on 

 sale) in the possession of this Institution, and we cannot but congra- 

 tulate the present proprietors of the Collection, on their spirit and li- 

 berality in securing a treasure so extensive and valuable. 



Birmingham has greatly improved, of late years ; and, from its 

 central situation as regards the great lines of communication through 

 the country, it will probably, ere long, rank as the second capital of 

 the kingdom. As it still further increases in mercantile prosperity, 

 we hope that all useful learning will become widely diffused through 

 its population. Indeed, there can be no doubt but this will be the 

 happy result. Society generally is proceeding every day to acknow- 

 ledge more and more the necessity of cultivating the intellectual fa- 

 culties, rather than the mere propensity to acquire gain and enjoy 

 pleasure, or the indulgence of the lowest feelings. The shades of 

 Ignorance are fast dispersing before the torch of enlightened Reason ; 

 but we would ever maintain, that this torch should burn with a pure 

 flame, and be held with a steady hand, not cast loose as a fire-brand 

 which may dazzle or blind rather than illuminate. Knowledge may 

 give power, but the possession of power alone does not necessarily 

 ensure happiness. The true philanthropist, in giving the one, will 

 endeavour by the best means in his power to promote the principles 

 by which the other shall be disseminated. 



WOLVERHAMPTON LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY. 



This Society has been established about two years, and it already 

 includes amongst its members many of the most talented men of the 

 town and neighbourhood. Since September last, the following papers 

 have been read before the institution. On the progress and tendency 

 of Philosophy, by Mr. Kettle. On Meteorology, or the phenomena of 

 the earth's atmosphere, by the Rev. S. Hunter. On the organic re- 

 mains of the Lias, and also on the Invertebrated Animals as an intro- 

 duction to the study of Conchology by Mr. Jukes. On situation, 

 habits and social employments as affecting health and longevity by 

 Dr. Bell. On the different gases of the atmosphere, by M. de Londe. 

 On the learning and science of Ancient Nations, by the Rev. Dr. 

 Oliver, and on Phrenology by Mr. Coleman. Many of these com- 

 munications possessed great merit, and led to both agreeable and in- 

 structive discussions. It is the anxious wish of the members of this 

 Society, to establish a Museum and Library, and we trust they will 

 meet with such support as may enable them to carry their laudable 

 design into effect, so as to perpetuate the existence and the influence 

 of their institution. 



VOL. VIII., no. xxin. 22 



