24 TUANSACTIOlSrS 



ham, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, who, in behalf 

 of the Institute, expressed gratitude. 



President Truman J. Backus, in an eloquent speech, 

 noted the salient points in the lives and benefactions of 

 the Messrs. Vassar, and referred to the Institute "as a 

 fitting habitation for the lovers of Science, Letters and 

 Art — the trinity of forces which have made the history 

 of civilization." He then introduced, as the orator of 

 the evening, Dr. T. Sterry Hunt, F. R. S., who gave an 

 interesting and learned address on the subject of "Min- 

 eral Physiology." • 



Through the generous philanthropy of Mr. John Guy 

 Vassar, the Institute now possesses a valuable property, 

 and while there is reason for deep gratitude to Mr. Vas- 

 sar for what he has done, there is, nevertheless, reason 

 for regret that the counsels of the building committee 

 were not enforced to a greater extent in the designing 

 and completing of the structure. * * * '* 



Twenty-two names have been added to the list of mem- 

 bership during the year past. 



In this connection your Secretary desires to remind 

 tlie Society that the revenue derived from the annual 

 dues of members is the only assured basis of our present 

 financial strength — and hence the importance of making 

 an effort to increase the membership. 



The experience of two seasons justifies the conclusion 

 that the "free seat" system of the Literary Section, at 

 its public meetings, diminishes the membership of the 

 Institute. * * * * 



Your Secretary begs to suggest the importance of thor- 

 oughly organizing the business interests of the Society, 

 for on success in this direction depends, in a great 

 degree, the possibilities of success in the intellectual 

 work of the Institute. The Treasurer's receipt for dues 

 paid should be made the jDassport to the benefits of the 

 institute or its Sections. 



The Treasurer s report is gratifying, showing a bal- 

 ance on hand of s612. 



Amendments to the by-laws have been made, by which 

 the dates of the Institute meetings have been changed 

 from the second Wednesday to the first Tuesday of each 

 month. The President and Secretary of the Institute 

 constitute a committee on public exercises, and it is 



