548 Proceedings. 



human knowledge, facts of observation wliicli 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 branches, in which the investigations are either 

 general in their character, or demand for original research appliances and leisure not readily 

 available in the colonies, we must be content to keep abreast of the knowledge attained 

 and the discoveries made. But to do this is an important function of this Institute, and 

 it is worthy of consideration, whether, ^vithout disparaging the good work which has been 

 done and still requires doing, in jDreparing and accommodating our zoological specimens in 

 the Museum, it might not be desirable to acquire, by gradual steps, an equipment of 

 physical apparatus which would be suitable for the purpose of exjiosition, and possibly for 

 original research on the part of some of the members. Meantime, the magazines pro- 

 cui'ed for the use of the members, the library of reference, and occasional lectures, have 

 rendered 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 

 the spirited example of one of our leading members (I allude to Mr. Justice GUlies), our 

 valuable specimens have received worthy shelter in this excellent building. By the system 

 of exchanges, too, we have been enabled to confer a favour upon European 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 elec- 

 tricity to the ordinary wants of daily life, giving a resume 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, he remarked that with the ever increasing refinements in tire instru- 

 ments at his command, the natural philosopher is enabled to attain a delicacy, an accuracy, 

 and a range of results impossible to his predecessors, but with extended scope and wider 

 generalizations there come new problems to solve, new mysteries to unravel. 



Vast and comprehensive as is the knowledge acquired in every branch of science, 

 what is known is but an infinitesimal portion compared with what there is beyond, while 

 much will ever remain inexplicable to the finite faculties of man. But in seeking earnestly 

 and fearlessly to know the sequence of events, the relationship of things, and the mode of 

 action of that all-pervading energy which it has pleased the Creator to impart to the 

 existing universe, there is no necessary connection with atheistic principles or materialistic 

 philosophy. On the contrary there may (as in the case of the late distinguished Professor 

 Clark Maxwell) exist the most profound learning and scientific genius with Christian 

 humility and enhghtened reverence. Let us ever remember that in the field of natural 

 science, apart from the ameliorating influences that follow in its train, it is the pursuit 

 and attainment of truth rather than its possession which affords the keenest enjoyment. 

 Of the scientist, too, it may be said that, leaving the things which are behind, he reaches 

 forth to those which are before, assured that with increasing knowledge there will ever be 

 opened up fresh avenues of investigation to stimulate his zeal, to exercise his powers, and 

 minister to his mental delight, 



