270 A HISTORY OF 



compounds of carbon and hydrogen ; while Sir 

 William Betham addressed the audience on the ad- 

 vantages to be derived from the study of antiquities, 

 and Dr. Wilde made some observations on fisheries. 

 These meetings were the precursors of the scientific 

 meetings which have since become so important a 

 feature in the Society. 



In 1838, Philip Crampton (1), surgeon-general, in 

 recognition of the talent displayed in his lectures on the 

 importance of the study of zoology, and Isaac Butt (2), 

 professor of political economy in Trinity College, for 

 his lecture on the importance of the study of zoology 

 in connection with civilisation, were elected honorary 

 members. 



1. Philip Crampton was born in Dublin in 1777, and in 

 1798 became Surgeon to the Meath Hospital, where he estab- 

 lished a great reputation as a skilful operator, ready and full 

 of resource. He was appointed surgeon-general to the Forces 

 in Ireland, and at a later period, surgeon in ordinary to the 

 Queen, and in 1839 a baronetcy was conferred on him. 

 Crampton was much interested in zoology, and may be con- 

 sidered one of the founders of the Zoological Gardens in 

 Dublin. A paper of his on the " Eyes of Birds being accom- 

 modated to different distances," obtained his election to 

 fellowship of the Royal Society. Sir Philip Crampton died 

 in 1858. 



2. Isaac Butt was born in the county Donegal in 181 3. 

 Having been called to the Bar, he founded the Dublin Univer- 

 sity Magazine, of which he was editor, 1 834-1 841. Butt held 

 the post of professor of political economy in the University 

 of Dublin from 1 836-1 841, and always took a prominent 

 part in politics, being the recognised champion of the Con- 

 servative party. He defended Smith O'Brien in the State 

 trials of 1848, and in 1852 became m.p. for Harwich, after- 

 wards representing Youghal from 1 852-1 865, both in the 

 Conservative interest. The Fenian prisoners were defended 



