12 ANNUAL MEETING. 



take in the Transactions, — in addition to many hundred copies 

 of the Quarterly Journal. 



Our name is a bond of union amongst all English-spealving 

 peoples, for it is that of our Most Gracious Queen, whose prin- 

 ciples we believe we represent in dealing with the topics treated 

 in the Transactions. 



And what are the topics ? In answering that question I might 

 almost use the phrase " quidquid agunt homines.''^ Whatever deals 

 Avith the laws of physical science, objects of natural history, 

 subjects bearing on Oriental history, geography ancient and 

 modern — subjects throwing light on Biblical history and research. 

 All these are admissible into our curriculum, and is it therefore 

 surprising that we are becoming an increasingly popular Society ; 

 ard that the Institute finds members to join it or support it ? 

 The Transactions have a world-wide circulation, at least wherever 

 the English language is spoken, and are often translated into 

 other languages. This Society, I maintain, supplies a want 

 referred to in our first object ; it popularises scientific subjects ; 

 and it treats them in a reverential spirit, recognising the hand of 

 the Creator both in bringing this wondex^ful system of physical 

 nature into being and also in guiding and directing its operations. 



Let any one take up the Transactions for the past few years and 

 read even the titles of the papers published, and he will find how 

 ■diversified and interesting are the subjects treated. 



The Council, for which I am replying, have a responsible, and 

 sometimes a difficult, task to perform — in determining what 

 papers shall be accepted, what rejected, in conformity with the 

 principles of the Institute. Our great endeavour is to do what 

 is I'ight. Meanwhile, we invite those who sympathise with our 

 objects to join our ranks, either as members or associates, and 

 thus help to extend the usefulness of this Institute. I thank 

 you in the name of the Council for the manner in which you have 

 received this resolution. 



Sir Geohge Gabeiel Stokes, Bart., M.A., LL.D., D.Sc, F.R.S., 

 the President, then delivered the following "Address " : — 



