Royal Society, 467 



and accuracy the modifications of light discovered by Malus, and 

 the altered direction of rays, in consequence of passing through 

 certain crystals, which, having much analogy to magnetic 

 ph?enomena, has been called polarization. He next took a 

 review of the numerous experiments and discoveries of Dr. 

 Brewster, observing that few of the other fellows of the Society 

 had contributed an equal numl)er of curious papers in so short a 

 period ; and in brief but very comprehensive terms unfolded the 

 singular results and important consequences of this indefatigable 

 philosopher's labours, which have appeared in the Philosophical 

 Transactions. Such of the noblemeu and prelates who are 

 fellows of this society and omitted attending on this occasion, 

 lost an opportunity not to be regained, of easily acquiring a distinct 

 knowledge of a very curious and interesting branch of science, 

 which has lately engaged the attention of philosophers in all 

 countries, and which may ultimately be brought to administer 

 to the comforts, auuiscments, or conveniences of persons in 

 opulent life. The Right Hon. President, in conclusion, ad- 

 dressed himself to Mr. Troughton, charging him to convey to 

 their absent fellow, Dr. B. the sentiments of the Council, their 

 high sense of the value and importance of his labours, and in 

 their name and in that of the Society to urge him to persevere in 

 his experiments, to continue his researches in that branch of 

 physical optics which he had chosen, and in which he had been 

 so signally successful. Lastly, he observed, " how gratifying it 

 liiust be to be praised by those who are themselves so worthy of 

 praise!" and that no higher stimulus could be offered to a 

 philosopher, than that now given by the decision of the Council 

 in adjudging this medal, and an expression of the sentiments 

 which influenced that decision. — Afterwards the Society pro- 

 ceeded to the choice of a Council and Officers for the ensuing 

 year, when on exann'ning the lists, it appeared that the following 

 gentlemen were elected: — 



Of the Old Council. — The Right Hon. Sir Joseph Banks, 

 Bart. K.G. C.B., Sir Charles Blagden, Knight, Samuel Good- 

 enough, Lord Bishop of Carlisle, Taylor Combe, Es(i., Davies 

 Giddy, Esq. M.P., Sir Everard Home, Bart., Samuel Lysons,Esq., 

 George, Earl of Morton, K.T., John Pond, Esq., William Hyde 

 WoUaston, ^LD., Thomas Young, M:D. 



Of the New Council. — John Barrow, Esq., Mark Beaufoy, 

 Esq., Henry Browne, Esq., Sir Humphry Davy, Knt., Philip, 

 Earl of Hardwicke, K.G., Edward Howard, Esq., John Latham, 

 M.D. Pres. Coll. Phys., Thomas James Mathias, Esq., Sir John 

 Nichol, Knt. M.P.,' George, Earl of Winchilsea, K.G. 



OfficisRs. — President, tlie Right Hon, Sir Joseph Banks, 

 G g 2 Bart. 



