Minutes of Proceedings. 333 



the coefficients in the binomial theorem, and to the solution of the 

 equation of Laplace's functions. 



This Academy has always been marked by what Sir Samuel 

 Ferguson used to call its encyclopedic character. It has sought to 

 cultivate in an impartial spirit the various forms of study and research 

 comprehended in its original plan — scientific, archaeological, and 

 literary. Graves combined in himself aptitudes and accomplishments 

 of these several kinds, and in his official positions in connexion with 

 our body he showed a respectful appreciation of every variety of 

 intellectual distinction. This catholicity of mind was well exemplified 

 by the two Eloges which he delivered from the Presidential chair — 

 one of Sir "William Hamilton, the other of George Petrie — able and 

 just estimates of the dissimilar powers and achievements of those two 

 eminent men. 



The archaeological subject which he himself most frequently dealt 

 with in papers read before the Academy was that of the Ogham 

 inscriptions, which has a fascinating interest for many minds. He 

 first applied to the peculiar character in which they are traced the 

 methods in general use for tlie development of writings known or 

 presumed to be alphabetic, and thus confirmed the key to the inter- 

 pretation of those symbols which is given in some of the old Irish 

 books ; and then proceeded to propose readings and explanations of a 

 number of the inscriptions. Another question on which his charac- 

 teristic sagacity and ingenuity were brought to bear with marked 

 success was that of the determination of the age of the Book of 

 Armagh. 



Let us say, in conclusion, that the uniform courtesy of his demeanour, 

 his dignity and impartiality in our chair, and his earnest and untiring 

 efforts, at a critical period in the history of the Academy, to further 

 by every means in his power its independence and its interests, 

 entitle him to our respectful and grateful remembrance. 



[List of Papers by Dr. Graves. 



K.I. A. MINUTES, SESSION 1899-1900. [31] 



