SUMMARY OF THE REPORT. 

 THE REPORT STATED : 



That in no year since its foundation in 1865 bad the Institute's 

 practical work advanced so effectually and decidedly as during 

 the past year. The steady support which both Members and 

 Associates accorded, and the increased number of those in the 

 high walks of Science who co-operated with the Institute, 

 were of the utmost value, giving solidity to the Institute, 

 strengthening its working, and causing many who might other- 

 wise not have joined or aided in its work to do so. The 

 remarkably few retirements had also shown how fully all 

 realised the desirability of making use of the present oppor- 

 tunities of advancing a Society the value of whose aims were 

 recognised by all thoughtful men. Such cordial co-operation 

 was of inestimable value to the Institute and its objects. 



That the Institute now numbered upwards of one thousand three 

 hundred Members and Associates, of whom upwards of four 

 hundred were resident abroad, (in India, the Colonies, the 

 United States, and other countries). 



That the system under which papers were read, and the discussions 

 and comments thereon published, now enabled Members in the 

 most distant parts of the world to contribute papers, and to 

 take part in the discussions. 



In reference to the issue of Vol. XXII. of the Journal, 

 that much of the Institute's work tended to aid science, 

 and much, of a special character, tended to show the 

 errors of those who sought to attack Religion in the name 

 of Science. 



That the Institute's American offshoot was progressing satisfactorily, 

 and that, although an independent society, its existence had 

 not lessened the amount of American support to the Institute. 



That the need of an increase in the Library fund was desirable, as 

 new works of reference were required, and the expenses in 

 connexion with the new arrangements rendered necessary 

 by the change of the Society's residence,* fell on it. 



* The sudden sale of the Institute's former honse rendered it necessary to 

 find new premises during the height of the session. The great difficulties 

 encountered were most successfully overcome. 



