222 Yorkshire Philosophical Society and NeM) Museum. 



will not fall into those false and erroneous opinions to which allusion 

 was made in the morning. By instructing them, and cultivating 

 their minds, we shall preserve them from the arts of Carlile and 

 others, who go about the country to induce the ignorant and un- 

 informed to embrace their erroneous and dangerous doctrines. I 

 can see no objection to such Institutions ; and I am happy to say, 

 that not only Sir George Cayley, but our worthy President himself, 

 is enrolled amongst the members of the York Mechanics' Institute ; 

 and I wish such examples were more generally followed. If, Sir, 

 (addressing the Chairman) all in a similar rank to yourself would 

 act as you do, and those who support you, — if they would employ 

 their advantages in the same manner, there would be no danger of 

 their ever being overtaken by their humbler brethren ; they will 

 always keep their station ; and however long the spur may be in the 

 toe of the mechanic, it will never reach the heel of the aristocracy. 



The original founders of the Museum— A. Thorpe, W. Salmon, 

 and J. Atkinson, Esqrs. — the gentlemen who laid the foundation of 

 the Museum by the valuable donation of those splendid remains 

 which were found at Kirkdale. 



The Chairman gave the health of Mr. Smith, the Father of En- 

 glish Geology. 



Mr. Smith returned thanks ; and said, he could truly say with 

 Mr. Atkinson, that nothing gave him greater pleasure than the pro- 

 motion of science, and particularly in assisting this Society ; for 

 he had been very handsomely received in this county, where he had 

 now been a resident many }ears. He had always endeavoured not 

 to be behind in the March of Intellect ; and had early habituated 

 himself to habits of reflection and of combination ; and this was 

 the best way to acquire useful knowledge. — He then gave, at some 

 length, an account of the progress of his discoveries ; the origin of 

 which he dated about forty years ago, when he was employed in 

 superintending canals and coal mines, and in surveying land, in the 

 west of England ; and concluded by returning thanks for the ho- 

 nour the company had done him. 



Mr. Phillips, This toast was drunk with very great applause. 



Mr. Phillips rose to acknowledge the honour done him ; and 

 after returning thanks to the President and company, he said — I 

 cannot but think of the day on which I first arrived in York. On 

 entering the rooms, I found a small collection, but great zeal 

 among the members ; and though I did not then expect to be in 

 any peculiar manner connected with the Society, I was sure its 

 exertions must be successful : and when I was afterwards appointed 

 to the situation I now hold, I expected to derive great pleasure 

 and advantage: that it would enable me to follow pursuits in which 

 I have always delighted; and bring me in contact with individuals 

 much my superiors in talents and in opportunities; — these hopes 

 have been fulfilled, and more than fulfilled. The years I have 

 spent in York have been years of great pleasure and of great in- 

 struction ; and I am gratified that my lot has fallen amongst those 

 whose object is to cultivate knowledge, and to diffuse it wide as the 



winds. 



