PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS. 497 
This is as true of the British Association itself as it is of local scientific 
societies. It seems to be forgotten that one of the functions of the Association 
ris to inspire belief and confidence in science as the chief formative factor of 
modern life, and not only to display discoveries or enable specialists to discuss 
technical advances in segregated sections. Though members of the Association 
may be able to live on scientific bread alone, most of the community in any 
place of meeting need something more spiritual to awaken in them the admira- 
tion and belief which beget confidence and hope. They ask for a trumpet-call 
which will unite the forces of natural and social science, and are unmoved by 
the parade of trophies of scientific conquests displayed to them. It was the 
primary purpose of Canon W. V. Harcourt, the chief founder of this Associa- 
tion, and General Secretary from 1831 to 1837, to sound this note for ‘the 
stimulation of interest in science at the various places of meeting, and through 
it the provision of funds for carrying on research,’ and not for ‘ the discussion of 
scientific subjects in the sections.’ In the course of time these sectional dis- 
cussions have taken a prominent place in the Association’s programme, and 
rightly so, for they have promoted the advancement of science in many 
directions; but, while we recognise their value to scientific workers, we plead 
for something more for the great mass of people outside the section-rooms, 
for a statement of ideals and of service, of the strength of knowledge and of 
responsibility for its use. These are the subjects which will quicken the pulse 
of the community and convert those who hate and fear science and associate 
it solely with debasing aspects of modern civilisation into fervent disciples 
of a new social faith upon which a lever made in the workshops of natural 
knowledge may be placed to move the world. 
REPORT OF THE CONFERENCE. 
At the first meeting of the Conference of Delegates, at Edinburgh, on Thurs- 
day, September 8, the President, Sir RicHarp Grecory, delivered the preceding 
address on ‘The Message of Science.’ A discussion followed on ‘Science and 
Citizenship,’ opened by Sir Lestir Mackenziz, who emphasised the fact that 
the Scientific Societies created volume upon volume of Transactions, some of 
them incapable of explanation except to the expert, some of them, however, 
full of fascination to the whole world and crying aloud to be told in the voice 
of the skilled speaker and in the phrase of the skilled writer. Masses of scientific 
knowledge were lost to the world, and sometimes even to the scientific world, 
because its writers could not write. 
Mr. ANpREw Evnson said that Trade Unions need not be expected to make 
contributions to Science outside their own particular occupation. If their 
members had scientific leanings or literary tastes they should join the appropriate 
society for their cultivation. Trade Unionists, as such, were not in the position 
to put into operation their ideas, but employers from information given them 
by their employees could do so. 
At the request of the Glasgow Natural History Society and the Rochdale 
Literary and Scientific Society the following resolution was passed for pre- 
sentation to the Committee of Recommendations and for circulation among the 
Sections :— 
‘That the Council be asked to represent to the Postmaster-General the 
very heavy burden which the postage of their publications and notices 
entails upon the Scientific Societies, and to request him to alleviate it at 
the earliest possible moment.’ 
A further resolution was also passed, namely :— 
‘That the Council be asked to consider what action should be taken 
to reduce the cost of publications of Scientific Societies.’ 
