114 ANNUAL MEETING. 
industrial arts, the Art Section very properly desired in- 
formation jn relation to the patronage which such a 
school would receive before it incurred expense therefor. 
Since, however, its solicitations have met with no fa- 
vorable response, the section is justified in still further 
postponing any effort to organize its work. 
In closing the sixth year of its corporate life, the In- 
stitute may well feel a reasonable pride in the work it 
has accomplished. 
Future success, however, should not be made de- 
pendent on past memories or works, but upon renewed 
purpose and increased energy in prosecuting the work 
which pertains to us as members of the society. 
In this conection, you will pardon the suggestion that 
hereafter all popular, public addresses be under the 
immediate charge of the Institute, and that the sections 
concentrate their energy to critical, technical studies and 
discussions. This aims at individual improvement—by 
which knowledge is promoted —which is the first essen- 
tial object of our society ! 
The Literary Section would, under this plan, study 
and discuss literature and history—not as heretofore in 
a popular way—but critically, for the mere sake of 
knowledge. This method has proved eminently satis- 
factory in the Scientific Section, and it is commended 
to the Literary Section as worthy of an earnest trial. 
In addition to the many interesting subjects which 
have so properly occupied the attention of the Scientific 
Section, there are still other questions relating to the 
health and comfort of our citizens—such as sewerage, 
drinking water, ice, and illuminating gas—which should 
command attention also. In order that such subjects 
may be duly investigated, it is suggested that the sec- 
tion appoint special committees to examine them in all 
their sanitary bearings, and to make a detailed report 
thereof to the section. Such reports will be of perma- 
