30 ANNUAL MEETING. 
It is a great pleasure to know that he has brought these things to 
light, and one great result is this: Our wise friends, the critics, 
knew well that it was impossible for Moses to write the Pentateuch, 
for there were no means of writing the Pentateuch at that time; so 
they used the argumentum ad silentium to show that Moses could not 
have written it, 7.e., the absence of evidence as evidence. Now 
this Address is very far-reaching, and has turned the flank of the 
whole of their position, and has struck the foundation from under 
all their theory. It may, of course, be possible that some of Pro- 
fessor Sayce’s deductions may require to be modified under fuller 
light. A man who leads will sometimes have to retrace his 
steps. Now, if you should hear that Professor Sayce is mistaken — 
about some little thing, remember what I have just said. As 
for myself, I deserve no thanks; but to Professor Sayce we can- 
not return too hearty acknowledgments for his splendid Address — 
(cheers). 
Sir J. Rispon Bennert, M.D., F.R.S.—My lords, ladies, and 
gentlemen, I have had conferred on me the honour of asking you 
to express your thanks to our esteemed and honoured President for 
his protection and conduct of the Institute during the past year. 
I need not, I am sure, say how much this Society, and society at 
large, is indebted to one holding his position, for the kind attention 
and interest that he has given and manifested in such an Institute 
as this. We know well how valuable his time is; but we also 
know how valuable his aid is; and in regard to our proceedings, as 
you know, he has on many occasions expressed himself in terms 
of approval of the influence exercised by the Institute. I will not 
occupy your time more than by putting the resolution, which I am 
sure will be carried unanimously—that a hearty vote of thanks be 
presented to our President for his services to this Institute during 
the past year (cheers). 
Admiral Sir Erasmus Ommanney, R.N., C.B., F.R.S.—I can add 
nothing to the words which have been expressed by Sir Risdon 
Bennett in praise of our distinguished President who now occupies 
the chair—a man so eminent and distinguished in science, and so 
conspicuous before the world. As to the researches in Egypt and 
the revelation of the marvellous works discovered by Professor 
Sayce, I can only say that they will be of great advantage to the 
objects with which this Institute was founded. I must add that I, 
in common [ doubt not with all present, have derived great pleasure 
from what we have heard this evening (cheers). 
