XX PROCEEDINGS 



During the past year, 6 original papers were read before 

 the Institute. These papers are all now, I believe, in the pro- 

 cess of being published. For a number of years, the society 

 has been much behind-hand in this matter of publication and I 

 happen to know that this delay has prevented us from getting 

 several important papers. This is unfortunate, but we cannot 

 blame those who wish the account of an original work to appear 

 at the earliest possible date, since credit for priority in such 

 matters is reckoned from the actual date of publication. We 

 understand of course, that increased costs during the war and 

 after, have necessarily made the publication problem a difficult 

 one for us. I am glad to say, however, that at present our 

 printing is much more nearly up to date than it has been for 

 seven or eight years. 



For several winters past as you know, the Institute has 

 been conducting a series of so-called Popular Lectures. The 

 original intention in holding these lectures was, I believe, first, 

 to attempt to attract those people to our meetings who have 

 a general interest in scientific subjects, but who are not suffi- 

 ciently familiar with the details of any one subject to benefit 

 by attending our regular meetings. Another reason was, and 

 I should perhaps say this in confidence, to advertise the In- 

 stitute of Science. I think that most of us will admit that 

 these lectures have done something, at least, toward the ac- 

 complishment of both purposes. The results have been rather 

 discouraging at times but I am quite certain that the general 

 interest in these lectures is on the increase. There is, of course, 

 much to be done in the matter of working out a more satis- 

 factory scheme for advertising the lectures , arrangements 

 of a program, etc., and these are problems which should be 

 discussed and disposed of at this meeting. 



In closing, I wish to thank the members of this society 

 and in particular, the members of the Institute's council for their 

 help and co-operation in carrying on my work as President 

 for the past two years. 



