511 



probably employ in scientific research or private study. It might be 

 truly said that no payment that we can afford to make could be a 

 sufficient return for such services as they render under such circum- 

 stances. It is not intended however, doubtless, that the full value 

 should be given. It is perhaps right that the honour conferred by 

 the appointment should constitute a part of the reward, but the 

 remaining or pecuniary part may be so trifling as necessarily to ex- 

 clude from your service some who cannot afford to accept office on 

 terms so inadequate. 



And now, in conclusion, I bid you farewell, and I do so with a most 

 cordial and heartfelt expression of gratitude for the unvaried kind- 

 ness and confidence which I have ever received from you. The 

 transaction of your business has necessarily brought me into frequent 

 and most confidential intercourse with your officers, and I can truly 

 say that I have ever received from them the most effective support 

 and assistance ; they have given me sound advice without obtruding 

 it, and have brought to the conduct and administration of your 

 affairs an amount of talent, zeal for your interests, and varied 

 acquirements, which may be equalled, but which it will be very dif- 

 ficult indeed to surpass. The intimate relations and unreserved con- 

 fidence which have ever existed between us have created a friendship 

 which I hope may endure as long as my life is prolonged. The 

 members of your Council are most assiduous in their attendance ; 

 and the affairs of the Society are by them discussed and transacted 

 in a manner which has always excited in me great admiration. 



In resigning the Chair I can feel no distrust as to the future, when 

 I reflect that I shall probably be succeeded by one whose private 

 worth, scientific attainments, and intimate knowledge of the business 

 of this Society are universally admitted, and in whose hands your 

 interests and reputation are safe. I shall account him happy if he 

 be elected to fill a post, so honourable in my estimation, that the 

 recollection that I have once occupied it will be one of the chief con- 

 solations of my latter years. 



The Copley Medal has been awarded to Sir Charles Lyell for those 

 original researches and comprehensive generalizations which have 

 mainly contributed to raise the study of geology to that high scien- 

 tific position which it now holds, and to maintain for the English 



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