142 



June 23rd, 1851. 



THOMAS ROMNEY ROBINSON, D. D., President, 

 in the Chair. 



Joseph Napier Higgins, Esq., was elected a Member of 

 the Academy. 



Lord Talbot de Malahide, on the part of the subscribers, 

 presented the collection of Irish manuscripts purchased by 

 them from Sir WilHam Betham. 



The following letter, from the Rev. R. V. Dixon, was read 

 by the Secretary: 



" West Chapel-Buildings, Trinity College, 

 "June 23, 1851. 



" Sir, — As I am about to make an attempt to realize a 

 project which I have had in contemplation for some time, and 

 in which I must look for success, mainly, to the co-operation 

 of persons interested in scientific pursuits, I am anxious to 

 bring the subject under the notice of the Members of the Royal 

 Irish Academy, with the hope that they will kindly assist 

 me in carrying it out. The project to which I refer is the 

 establishment of a cabinet or museum for the reception of 

 philosophical instruments and apparatus fallen into disuse, 

 and discarded in consequence of subsequent improvements. 



" I need not dwell upon the importance of such a col- 

 lection. It would serve admirably to illustrate the progress 

 of science in any department in which it could be rendered 

 tolerably complete ; and I am disposed to think, that this 

 could be effected in several to a greater extent than might at 

 first sight appear possible. For, notwithstanding the loss of 

 many interesting articles which has already taken place, and is 

 daily occurring, owing chiefly to the want of such a cabinet as 

 that which I propose establishing, I have reason to believe that 



