352 Literary and Philosophical Society, 



more than once to do this by means of a medal, and one 

 was presented in early times, whilst another was made for 

 the purpose in late years, but the plan has never been 

 carried out. It may be of little interest to the world that 

 we as a society should exist, but that an organisation for 

 the direction and encouragement of original research should 

 exist in Manchester has been shown by results to be of the 

 greatest importance, and as this Society has proved its 

 fitness it is most proper that it should be preserved as a 

 centre. For this reason it seems essential that some changes 

 should be made in conformity with the changing habits 

 of recent times as well as the change of relative position 

 caused by the growth of the city, one of the causes of 

 change of manners. For example, more is done by reading 

 than was formerly done ; opportunities of meeting are 

 fewer. This has caused an increase of books. Distances 

 are greater, and central positions are more expensive. 

 Shall we seek to overcome this difficulty and endeavour to 

 pay for larger premises on a spot equally central with our 

 own } This would entail a hopeless expense. Shall we 

 seek to enlarge our own buildings, close to great ware- 

 houses and in constant danger of being burnt down, keep- 

 ing nevertheless the prestige of position with all its senti- 

 ment } Thirdly, shall we seek a new settlement in a new 

 position, even if circumstances have determined that it 

 shall not be central } 



Of all these plans the writer is inclined to the third. 

 The premises are small, and must be enlarged some day ; 

 they are also old. That a new place would be less con- 

 venient for some sites of the town is a misfortune to which 

 the character of space compels us to yield. 



However, it would change the minds of some of the 



