548 Proceedings. 
human knowledge, facts of observation which may supply some missing link, or throw a 
gleam of light athwart some obscure point, or which, from their local and distinctive 
character, will be as stones which the great European master-builders in each department 
will gladly accept as necessary components in the great and noble edifice of science. The 
other group may be said to include applied mathematics, the general science of biology, 
the physical sciences, astronomy, heat, light, electricity, magnetism, chemistry, mechanics, 
hydrostatics, and pneumatics. In these b cisaige in vanes the anes are eo: 
general in their character, or demand for orig 
available in the colonies, we must be content to keep sires of the oe attend 
and the discoveries made. But to do this is an important function of this Institute, and ~ 
it is worthy of a whether, — eapeneine tes good — wtih = been 
done and still requires doing, i onan 
the Museum, it might not be doxienble 4 acquire, by scaitenl ies. 3 an equipment of 
peti) apparatus which would be suitable for the purpose of exposition, and possibly for” 
research on the part of some of the members. Meantime, the magazines pro- 
cured for the use of the members, the library of reference, and occasional lectures, have 
nd good service. 
With regard to the first group of subjects, the New Zealand Institute has done good 
work in every department of natural history, and no inconsiderable part has been done by 
- the Auckland Institute, while, thanks to the liberality of members and citizens, led by 
sie aeiiet omaaie of one af our leading members (I allude to Mr. Justice Gillies), our 
thy shelter in this excellent building. By the system 
of exchangee, too, we have been enabled to confer a favour upon European an and American 
museums, receiving in return representative specimens from various countries. 
The President then reviewed the recent progress of scientific philosophy, and des- 
cribed the various discoveries that have been recently made in the application of elee- 
_ tricity to the ordinary wants of daily life, giving a résumé of the subjects which have 
occupied the minds of scientific men in some branches of physical science, with the con- — 
clusions arrived at, and the progress made during the year. 
In concluding, ~ net that with the ever increasing refinements in the instru- 
ments at hi 1 philosopher is enabled to attain a delicacy, an accuracy, 
= a — of results. —— to his Geodantasans, but with extended scope and wider 
ew problems to solve, new mysteries to unravel. 
Vast and comprehensive as is the knowledge acquired in every branch of science, 
what is known is is but an a infinitesimal Portion compared with what there is beyond, while 
will ever le + f But in seeking earnestly 
and fearlessly to know ties sequence of events, the relationship of things, and the mode of 
eee nS ome Sak it has hes Peart e oeie 
shies, spurt Bul tes Gisicdes: Gia, ge 
and attainment of truth rather than its possession which affords the keenest enjoyment. 
Ox the scientist, too, it may be said that, leaving the things which are behind, he he reaches 
e fei rile we inten, meal cis ith i ledge there will ever be 
ee ti ii lo si i or 
