I 



Mit lutes of Pi 'oceedh igs. 295 



These experiences in the heights of mathematical abstraction are 

 the nearest approach to an independence of the material world allowed 

 to man's rational faculty. As it mounts upward from the first 

 ideas of space and extension — sustaining itself, through the power of 

 its own intuitions, until the sensible elements from amongst which it 

 took its first steps are lost in a distance all but immeasurable — we 

 get the assurance of something in our nature external to the accidents 

 of matter ; and may recognize, in the mathematician, a contributor to 

 man's moral as well as intellectual convictions. I have spoken of the 

 young Abel and the young Jacobi. Abel died at twenty-seven. Jacobi 

 was but twenty-five when he wrote his " Pundamenta Nova." You, 

 Mr. Malet, when you followed up, expanded and made accessible by 

 simpler methods the enlarged theorem of Jacobi, were, I believe, but 

 twenty-four, and have still, we all trust and hope, a long life of use- 

 fulness and honour before you. It may remind some of us, who are 

 so much your seniors, regretfully, of the clear vision and daring energy 

 of life's morning ; but hopefully also of the further inroads into the 

 Unknown which our now young men may yet achieve for us here in 

 this Academy. 



The Secretary read the following notice of alteration of By-Law: — 



" The Council recommend to the Academy to try the experiment 

 of meeting at 4 o'clock, p. m., instead of 8 o'clock, p. ir., for the re- 

 mainder of the Session; and that By-Law, Sec. 2, Cap. IX., be 

 altered in accordance with this recommendation." 



The adoption of the above was moved by the Secretary of the 

 Council, and on being put to the vote was declared carried. 



The following resolution was moved by the Rev. J. H. Jellett, d.d.. 

 Provost of Trinity College, seconded by Mr. Y. Ball, r.K.s., and 

 carried. : — 



" That it be referred to the Council to take the necessary steps to 

 have the approaching Centenary of the Academy celebrated in a maimer 

 worthy of the Country and of the Academy." 



The following resolution was moved by Sir Eobert Kane, f.e.s., 

 seconded by Dr. Ingram, s.f.t.c.d., and carried — 



" That an Address of Welcome be presented to their Royal High- 

 nesses, the Prince and Princess of Wales, on their approaching visit 



