Early History of the Society. 19 



On the motion of tlie Secretary, it was agreed that the 

 address be printed in full in the Proceedings. 



II. Mr David Geieve contributed an interesting letter, 

 descriptive of the Society's meetings between the years 

 1828-29 and 1836-37, in continuation of Dr M'Bain's re- 

 marks. The following are extracts : " In 1828 the meetings 

 were held in the Society's Hall, North Eichmond Street. It 

 was a circular building of two stories or floors — the ground 

 being occupied as the Library, with a Council Eoom and 

 Housekeeper's apartments. The upper floor was entirely 

 devoted to the public meetings. The Hall was large, fitted 

 with backed and cushioned seats, and capable of accommo- 

 dating 200 persons or so. In the centre of the room opposite 

 the door of entrance was placed the President's throne or 

 pulpit, on a raised dais, with a canopy surmounted by the 

 royal arms richly gilt. In front of this was a large table, 

 where sat the Secretary, and the member who had disserta- 

 tions or communications to read. The room was carpeted, well 

 lighted, and there were blazing fires always on meeting 

 nights, lighted at each end of the room, so that altogether the 

 apartment presented on winter nights a cheery, comfortable, 

 and somewhat dignified appearance.* The building has been 

 removed, and its site is now occupied by a United Presby- 

 terian Church. While the Society occupied this building, the 

 meetings were held weekly, commencing on the first Tuesday 

 of November, and continuing till the last Tuesday of the 

 July following. During this time the Society had a paid 

 Secretary, a Janitor or Ofiicer, and a Housekeeper. Mr 

 Mcolson Bain, Librarian to the University, held the former 

 ofiice for many years, and was much esteemed for his urbanity, 

 obliging character, and gentlemanly deportment. For several 

 years prior to 1828, the Society was in a languid state, but 

 an appeal having been made to the Members in session 

 1827-28 to beat up for recruits, the result was successful, 

 and no less than 72 new members were added to the roll in 

 the summer of 1828. In the course of the succeeding session, 

 68 gentlemen were also added to the Ptoll. This was about 



* The Society had also at that time a good museum. 



