216 Royal Irish Academy. 



"whole country acquired by the kindly and protective action of the 

 well-known missionary, Chalmers. 



No summary which I could offer would give an adequate idea of 

 the wonderfully copious body of materials which Mr. Haddon has 

 brought together for the illustration of his subject from every avail- 

 able source — from British and Continental museums, and printed 

 books or essays. To appreciate the extent and accuracy of his studies 

 it would be necessary to go carefully through his Memoir, and I can 

 assure you that in so doing you will reap both pleasure and profit. 

 He has produced an excellent study of a comparatively new subject, 

 and has shown a philosophic spirit and much sagacity in handling it ; 

 and his work well deserves to take its place beside the other notable 

 Memoirs which we have honoured with the academic laurel. 



And now, having completed the agreeable task of reviewing — I 

 hope with due appreciation — these selected products of the intellectual 

 activity of our body, I have an equally pleasing duty of a moi'e per- 

 sonal nature to discharge. At the next meeting I shall vacate the 

 Presidential Chair, and shall ask my successor to take it in my stead. 

 I cannot do so without first returning — as I now beg to do — my hearty 

 thanks to the Academy for the cordial support I have received in the 

 performance of my duties from all our members, and in particular from 

 the council and officers. And I should certainly do less than justice 

 if I did not express my special obligations to the Secretary of the 

 Academy for his ever-ready co-operation and aid. I have had 

 frequent occasion to appeal to his accurate knowledge of the history 

 and traditions of the Academy, and he has always most liberally 

 placed that knowledge at my disposal, and has often guided my action 

 by his judicious counsels. Of his services as editor of our " Trans- 

 actions" and "Proceedings," in bringing them out promptly and in 

 attractive form, it is scarcely possible to speak too highly. 



I will add only a few words respecting the general position and 

 prospects of the Academy. I do not think that in recent years there 

 has been any diminution of the activity of our members in the several 

 fields we profess to cultivate. The large attendance at our meetings 

 has shown the interest taken in our work. In entering on the Chair 

 I expressed the hope that whilst mathematics would not lose their 

 place amongst us, the physico-chemical and biological sciences would 



