THE SECTIONS 83 



similar purpose is served by the ' review ' type (as 

 it may be called) of sectional presidents' addresses. 

 Other considerations apart, some of the earlier of 

 these reports form valuable historical records of the 

 position of scientific knowledge in various depart- 

 ments at given moments. 



In 1833 there were sections of mathematics and 

 physics ; philosophical instruments and mechanical 

 arts ; natural history, anatomy and physiology ; 

 history of science. In 1834 the sections appeared 

 thus : mathematics and physics ; chemistry and 

 mineralogy ; mathematical instruments and me- 

 chanical arts ; natural history (with subsections 

 of botany, zoology, and geology) ; anatomy and 

 physiology ; statistics. In 1835 we have the follow- 

 ing sections : mathematics and physics ; chemistry 

 and mineralogy ; geology and geography ; zoology 

 and botany ; anatomy and medicine ; statistics. At 

 this date the sections have presidents, vice-presi- 

 dents, and secretaries. In the Report for 1835 the 

 sections first appear under distinguishing letters 

 (though such were used earlier in manuscript 

 minutes) and the list now ceases to undergo much 

 annual variation. In 1836 it runs : 



A. Mathematical and Physical D. Zoology and Botany. 



Science. E. Medical Science. 



B. Chemistry and Mineralogy. F. Statistics. 



C. Geology and Geography. G. Mechanical Science. 



Section C became Geology and Physical Geography 

 from 1839, and its scope was limited in consequence : 

 in 1838 there were geographical papers on expedi- 

 tions to Novaya Zemlya, the Antarctic, and the 

 Euphrates (the last the famous ascent of the river by 

 Lynch), besides papers on various surveys and other 



