PROCEEDmOS OF THE ACADEMY SINCE JULY, 1878. 



REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 



NINTH REGULAR ANNUAL MEETING, 



Held at Madison^ December 27, 28 and 29, 1878, in the Senate Chamber of the 



Gapitol. 



First Session. 



Thursday, December 27, 1878. 

 Academy met at 7 :30 P. M., Dr. P. R. Hoy, presiding. Reports from the sec- 

 retary, treasurer and various committees were read and accepted. Pres. Hoy 

 then delivered his retiring address. After tlianking the members for their 

 kindness manifested toward him during his term of office. Dr. Hoy proceeded 

 to briefly relate some of the wonderful discoveries of the recent past, rather 

 than fgive the usual review of the work of the academy. The labors of 

 Edison, Prof. Draper and ■ various travelers were noticed. Dr. Hoy alluded 

 to the rapid growth of the Academy, which started eight years ago with but 

 eleven members. The address closed with a]feeling tribute to deceased mem- 

 bers, including the late Prof. Carpenter, whose recent death was severely felt 

 at Madison. 



" Did Bacon Write Shakspere ? " a paper by Prof Albert Hardy, of Mil- 

 waukee, followed. 



The question of the authorship of Shakespere's plays was one of recent 

 growth. Carefully collected facts were introduced to show the high regard 

 which was accorded Shakespere by his contemporaries. The growth of the 

 drama was depicted. A large number of passages taken from Shakespere 

 and Bacon were cited to present the similarities and difference of the two 

 writers. A strict analysis of the style reveals many intricacies of expression, 

 which would escape a less careful scrutiny. Prom such an analysis the 

 author of the paper was ready to ascribe to Shakespere the authorship of the 

 plays which have immortalized his name. 



"The Origin of the Township," a paper by Prof. Allen, of Madison, was 

 read next. It consisted of a brief outline of the history of the organizatioa 

 of townships in France, Germany and England. 



After the reading of this paper, a committee was appointed to report on the 

 ■death of Prof. Carpenter. , 



Adjourned. 

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