43. 



ADDRESS ON PRESENTING THE GOLD MEDAL OF THE ROYAL ASTRO- 

 NOMICAL SOCIETY TO MR HIND. 



[From the Memoirs of the Royal Astronomical Society. Vol. xxn. (1853).] 



GENTLEMEN, You have heard from the Report which has just been read 

 how much reason we have to congratulate ourselves on the present state 

 and future prospects of our science. Never was there a time when greater 

 vigour and activity were exhibited in the promotion of it. Nor is this 

 activity confined to one country, or devoted merely to one department of 

 astronomy. Whether we regard the introduction of improved instruments 

 and methods of observation, or the more rigorous discussion to which the 

 observations are submitted, the formation of extensive catalogues of stars, 

 the discovery of new members of our planetary system, or the closer and 

 more systematic scrutiny and examination of those which are already known, 

 in every direction we find the most satisfactory evidences of progress. 



One of the most prominent features of astronomical discovery for several 

 years past, has been the continual addition of new members to the remark- 

 able group of small planets between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, and 

 the year just ended has been distinguished beyond all precedent in this 

 respect. 



Since our last anniversary meeting no fewer than eight of these bodies 

 have been brought to light, and the supply seems to be inexhaustible. 

 New discoverers have made their appearance on the field, while those who 



A. 41 



