218 THE EAKLY HISTOKY OF [CHAP. IV. 



be increased and made more available ; second, in relation 

 to chemistry, the examination of the private experimental 

 processes performed in the laboratory might be given as 

 private instruction, for which those who thought proper to 

 attend should make some annual contribution for defraying 

 the extra expense, as it would be impossible to admit all the 

 proprietors and subscribers. 



With the reduction of expenses and the strict economy 

 that has taken place in the establishment, it is submitted to 

 the managers that it will not be necessary to increase at 

 present the annual subscription. 



The Committee concludes the report with observations 

 on the progress which has been recently made and is now 

 making in the Institution. After mentioning the lectures 

 and the apparatus for the lectures, it is said the laboratory 

 for experimental processes has been enlarged by the addition 

 of the former workroom, and has been improved by many 

 new arrangements, and provision has been made in it for 

 preparing the different reagents and tests employed in 

 philosophical chemistry and for carrying on various new 

 and interesting researches. 



The foundation of a mineralogical collection has been 

 laid by the exertions of Mr. Professor Davy. For the purpose 

 of extending it one proprietor has offered 100Z., and others 

 promised to give minerals. A collection of fossils was also 

 made. 



The reading library is now completed. The room for 

 the collection of reference, fitted up for 10,000 volumes, 

 some part of which are already purchased. It was proposed 

 to open it to the proprietors and subscribers early in the 

 ensuing season. The funds subscribed amounted to 

 4,368Z. 1 5s. As this would not be sufficient to purchase the 

 whole of the desired collection, it was hoped that other 

 proprietors and subscribers ' would enjoy the pleasure of 

 adding their contributions.' 





