98 THE ROYAL SOCIETY 



the Royal Society and its Fellows. A Corporation such as yours, which 

 includes within its ranks all the most eminent representatives of every branch 

 of natural knowledge within the British Dominions, which commands the 

 confidence of the nation and receives the support of the Government, can 

 direct and co-ordinate effort, can encourage enterprise, can reward achievement, 

 and thereby can promote the advance and welfare of scientific investigation 

 with a power altogether outside the reach of individuals or of special societies. 

 The Royal Society is one of the glories of England and the Empire ; and all 

 Englishmen are glad to join in celebrating this landmark in its long career of 

 usefulness. The Trustees of the British Museum feel that they have a special 

 claim to approach you on this occasion and to share in your rejoicings. The 

 British Museum owes its origin to a munificent bequest from a Fellow and 

 President of the Royal Society, Sir Hans Sloane ; and the Act of Incorpora- 

 tion, by which it was founded in 1753, ordains that among the official 

 Trustees of the Museum shall always be the President of the Royal Society 

 for the time being. Thus, throughout its whole existence, the British 

 Museum has had the advantage of the counsel, and has enjoyed the support, 

 of every President of your Society ; and not least would the Trustees grate- 

 fully acknowledge the assistance they have received from the distinguished 

 man of science who now holds that high and enviable post. The interests of 

 the British Museum are closely intertwined with the interests of science. The 

 Museum, in its Library and its Natural History Departments, provides the 

 materials for a vast amount of scientific research. Much of that research has 

 been conducted by the officers of the Museum, past and present, many of whom 

 have received the coveted honour of the Fellowship of your Society. It is, 

 therefore, with the interest that is born of close association and common 

 aspirations that the British Museum, in the person of its Trustees, rejoices in 

 the glorious past of the Royal Society, and wishes it a long and not less 

 glorious future. , 



Sealed with the Common Seal of the British Museum, 6 July, 1912. 



CHEMICAL SOCIETY, LONDON 



THE CHEMICAL SOCIETY TO THE PRESIDENT, COUNCIL, AND FELLOWS OF THE 

 ROYAL SOCIETY, Greeting. Amongst the many learned bodies represented 

 here to-day there is certainly none which can wish to offer you more sincere 

 and heartfelt congratulations than the Chemical Society. The Officers, 

 Council, and Fellows of our Society desire to associate themselves with you 

 in celebrating the two hundred and fiftieth Anniversary of the birth of 

 a scientific corporation which in the distinction of its history is assuredly 



