XXXiv Annual Address. [February, 1912. 
first year. I am sorry to learn that it has also become the 
practice of recent years for a Presidential address to be given 
at the conclusion of each year of office. When the chair was 
occupied, as it has been for some years past (though for the last 
two years I am aware only as a substitute), by an orator of the 
calibre, not to say the experience, of my distinguished pre- 
decessor, the Hon’ble Sir Asutos Mukherji, the preparation 
lavishly giving us the fruits of his ripe scholarship and his wide 
and profound learning? By drawing material from the rich 
stores of his philosophical, philological and literary researches 
has he not given us much food for thought, presented in a form 
that was easily assimilated and digested? Every address 
of his, moreover, has been characterized by that clearness and 
accuracy of detail which is engendered in, and becomes second 
nature to, any one trained, as he has been trained, in scientific 
thethods of thought. With myself it is altogether different. I 
am quite unused to making speeches either pre-prandial or post- 
prandial—especially long speeches. Therefore, when in the 
early part of last year some of my medical and other friends, 
members of the Society, intimated to me that it had been pro- 
posed to elect me to succeed Sir Asgutos Mukherji as Presi- 
dent, I felt at a loss to understand how the choice could have 
Being conscious of my own imperfections—who is not ?—especi- 
ally in the speech-making line—I hesitated for a long time 
whether I should take up the mantle offered to me, or should 
respectfully decline it. In saying this, I do not wish to be 
misunderstood. Some one—Wordsworth, I think—says: 
* There is a luxury in self-dispraise, 
And inward self-disparagement affords 
To meditative spleen a grateful feast.’’ 
favourite virtues,’’ i.e., self-depreciation and mock modesty. 
When, however, I reflected on the distinguished men who had 
preceded me in this office, men with scientific and literary 
attainments such as I could have no pretentions to, I venture 
to say that my hesitation was justifiable. However, a choice 
had to made, and, with ‘‘ all my imperfections on my 
head,’’ I decided to accept the honour offered me, and to do 
my best to give you satisfaction and do all in my power to 
promote the interests of the Society. Whether I shall succeed 
