28 JOURNAL AND PROCEEDINGS 



Other points of a kindred nature to what I have already 

 said were mentioned by the Secretary, It remains for me to 

 proceed with what is called an "Inaugural Address," which is 

 usually an Address without a subject. But on the present oc- 

 casion I have thought it best to choose, as I notice is often done 

 now on similar occasions, some definite subject for a treatise or 

 lecture. I have therefore chosen simply the general subject of 

 Education, with reference chiefly to the young. 



Before proceeding with this, however, I may be permitted 

 perhaps to express the hope that members of this Association 

 will avail themselves of the privileges accorded to them in it. 

 Apart from the Library and Museum, there are a number of 

 useful and interesting periodicals taken by the Association, and 

 which may be read at any time in this room. The Magazines 

 and Reviews taken reflect some of the best thoughts of the day 

 on all subjects. This reading room should be used by the mem- 

 bers as a place of intellectual enjoyment and improvement, and 

 abundant material for that purpose is afforded here and might 

 well be more extensively used than it seems to be. 



I might also be allowed to express the hope that members 

 will read up a little on subjects that are to be presented here 

 from time to time by papers appointed to be read, or at least think 

 over them with a view to offering some remarks upon 

 them. In this wa}^ one of the most enjoyable features of our 

 monthly gatherings, I mean the viva voce discussions of the sub- 

 jects brought before us, will be not only secured but greatly en- 

 hanced. 



Without further delay I shall now proceed to offer a few 

 thoughts on the wide and general subject of 



EDUCATION. 



No higher aim can man set before him than the improve- 

 ment of his own species by Education. He should avail him- 

 self of every possible opportunity in the way of the develop- 

 ment of all powers, whether bodily or mental, inherent in the race 

 In point of fact, a human being is always learning; ifheisinany 

 sense thoughtful he can't help regarding life as a profound mystery; 

 it is a thought which begins to dawn upon him as his own life 



