add that the wide extension of the Sciences in almost every 

 branch, and the consequent specialization of the studies 

 of each individual, have rendered the need for such 

 reports more than ever pressing ; and if the course of 

 true Science should still run smooth it is probable that 

 the need will increase rather than diminish. 



If time and space had permitted, I should have further 

 particularised the Committees, occasionally appointed, 

 on subjects connected with Education. But I must leave 

 this theme for some future President, and content 

 myself with pointing out that the British Association 

 alone among scientific societies concerns itself directly 

 with these questions, and is open to appeals for counsel and 

 support from the great teaching body of the country. 



One of the principal methods by which this Asso- Grants. 

 ciation materially promotes the advancement of Science, 

 and consequently one of its most important functions, 

 consists in grants of money from its own incoAe in aid 

 of special scientific researches. The total amount so laid 

 out during the 47 years of our existence has been no 

 less than <£44,000 ; and the average during the last 

 ten years has been <£ 1,450 per annum. These sums have 

 not only been in the main wisely voted and usefully 

 expended ; but they have been themselves productive of 

 much additional voluntary expenditure of both time 

 and money on the part of those to whom the grants 

 have been entrusted. The results have come back to 

 the Association in the form of papers and reports^ 

 many of which have been printed in our volumes. 

 By this appropriation of a large portion of its funds^ 

 the Association has to some extent anticipated, nay even 

 it may have partly inspired the ideas, now so much 

 discussed, of the Endowment of Research. And whether 



