1 s roNE, Esq. 



On Plant Distribution. 



Dr. J. |jJ l ^^- Rescarches on the structure and Modes of Action of the 



Brain. 

 I . S. CHKSI-.ROUGH, Esq. 



On the Davenport Tablets. 



II. X. RUST, Esq. 



On Prehistoric Graves in the Vicinity of Nashville, I enn. 



' A Report on the Third Florida Expedition for the Collection of Spec- 

 imens for the Academy. 



A discussion was also held upon The Physical and Medical Influ- 

 ence of the Blue Ray, a paper being read by Dr. J. H. TUCKER. 



This brief emumeration of these papers gives an inadequate 

 idea of the real value of the meetings. The discussions called out 

 at the time, and the subsequent discussions of these and kindred 

 topics among the members, indicate the purpose, the legitimate 

 influence, and the power of the Academy in this department of its 

 work. During the past year we are able to recognize a marked 

 increase in the interest and value of these meetings. It has shown. 

 itself in the larger attendance, in the increased number of carefully 

 prepared papers presented, and especially in the wider range of 

 topics discussed. The improvement of these meetings is a subject 

 that has occupied the careful attention of your officers ; and much 

 <f what has been accomplished is due to the wise planning of our 

 Secretary. But in order to develop these interests yet more fully. 

 it is essential that all members, working in special lines of investi- 

 gation, should feel it their bounden duty to share with the Academy 

 s'Mue of the results of their study. We are greatly favored in hav- 

 ing among our resident membership an unusual number of spec- 

 ialists. Astronomy, Botany, Geology, Archaeology, Entomology. 

 Chemistry, Ornithology, Conchology, and Microscopy each has 

 mm mil us, at almost every meeting, a representative. With such a 

 i-.iiiL r o of talents and tastes, certainly our meetings should not 

 luck in interest. T am aware of the great inducement to the presenta- 

 tion of original papers which an ability to publish our proceedings 

 \\ould i' resent, both to our resident and corresponding membership. 

 I'Yom this stand-point is derived perhaps the strongest argument in 

 favor of n-Munin^ this work, to which allusion has previously been 



Hi:: 



