282 CHAIRMAN’S ANNUAL REPORT. 
to enhance the value of the section’s work. However 
attractive specimens may be when classified and placed 
upon shelves in the museum, their real value depends 
upon their utilization for purposes of instruction ; and 
to thisend it is hoped that they may more frequently 
be made the subject of private or public study ; by this 
means we may, at least, ‘‘ promote useful knowledge”’ 
and thereby secure one important object for which this 
section was formed. 
By an amended rule of the Institute the discussion of 
philosophical subjects is admissible in this section. In 
order, however, that such themes may not be permitted 
to unduly encroach upon our more legitimate scientific 
work, the suggestion is hereby made that a sub-section 
be formed wherein the study of philosophy alone may 
be pursued. 
In asking to be relieved from further official service, 
your chairman desires to express his thanks for the 
uniform courtesy extended to him at all times, and to 
assure the members that, as a worker in the ranks, his 
efforts will not be lessened to promote the interest of the 
section. 
Respectfully submitted, 
W. G. STEVENSON, 
Chairman. 
The following gentlemen were elected officers of the 
section for 1887-1888 : 
Chairman, . . Mr. CHartes N. ARNOLD. 
Recording Seeretae y, . Mr. JAMES WINNE. 
Curator of the Museum, Prof. WituiAm B. Dwient. 
Librarian, .  .  . Mr. Cuarizs L. Brrstot. 
166 
