1843.] Asiatic Society. 71 



I need not revert to the period when sudden illness ueprived the Society of the in- 

 valuable services of your esteemed and lamented brother, James Prinsep, as that 

 in which the interests of the Society were more deeply affected to their detriment, 

 than had perhaps ever before been the case. 



He was taken from the active pursuit of his literary and scientific researches, 

 without the opportunity of giving to his successor the means of arranging what was left 

 necessarily in confusion by his sudden prostration, throughout all the departments 

 of science and details. 



Professor O'Shaughnessy, who undertook the duties of Secretary, though harassed 

 by unceasing labour, both in the laboratory and the lecture room, was aided in the 

 Oriental Department by Mr. Sutherland, than whom none could be more capable 

 for such duty. He too was, however, as heavily charged with public work, as was the 

 Professor. 



It was at the instance of these gentlemen, and more specially of our late President, 

 Sir Edward Ryan, that I consented to undertake the duties of Secretary. 



Since that time, the Society has been able to avail itself of the services of two 

 gentlemen as Curators of the Museum, Mr. H. Piddington and Mr. Blyth, and of 

 those of Dr. Roer, as Librarian. 



Whatever has been done, has been effected through their agency. I refer you, Sir, 

 to their reports, to the present state of our Museum and our Library, in proof of the 

 good fortune upon which the Society may congratulate itself, in that their effectual 

 services were able to supply deficiencies in another quarter. 



To Mr. Piddington, I owe a personal debt of gratitude for much gratuitous labour, 

 by which he has either relieved or assisted me, when public duty or personal in- 

 competency rendered me unequal to the calls which were made on my time, or my 

 qualifications for the post I held. 



You are aware, Sir, that I have conducted the publication, called the " Journal of the 

 Asiatic Society" on the same understanding, as did James Prinsep ; viz. at my personal 

 risk, though supported by the Society in the matter of subscription at a certain rate 

 for each copy furnished to a Member. I propose to complete the twelve numbers due 

 for the current year, and then to give up the Editorship. Whether it may be expedi- 

 ent that the Society should make the Journal its own, will be a question, Sir, for your 

 future consideration. 



In the important matter of our finances, the Society have I trust been fully satisfied, 

 that in spite of a most liberal expenditure, our assets have accumulated. 



I must, however, request that you will name a Committee to audit my accounts, 

 and give me a final acquittal of responsibility. 



I now, Sir, resign to you my appointment as Honorary Secretary, the duties where- 

 of have been temporarily assumed by my friend, Mr. Piddington, at my urgent 

 request, pending ulterior arrangements ; and in so doing, I have to thank you, Sir, and 

 the Members of the Society for the support I have received, while I at the same time 

 apologise for no few errors, and many omissions, which the nature of my public 

 onerous and responsible duties, as well as the pressure of other circumstances render- 

 ed it most difficult for me to avoid making. I have the honour to be, 



Sir, 

 Your very faithful servant, 



H. Torrens. 



