26 Proceedings of the 



It seems to be acknowledged by all who have been engaged 

 in the business of the Society, that its operations have been pro- 

 ductive of two important and beneficial results. In the first 

 place, it has made kindred spirits acquainted with one another, 

 and called forth a large amount of sympathy and excitement 

 to labour. In the second place, it has imposed an obligation 

 to contribute materials for our meetings. Many of the members 

 have willingly discharged their obligations ; and in the papers 

 which have been read, will be found, in various departments 

 of science, new and important truths, fully qualified to stand 

 comparison with the productions of other Societies with far 

 higher pretensions. The propriety and truthfulness of this 

 statement will become apparent to all who look over the record 

 of our Proceedings, now, by the judiciousness of our Secretary, 

 about to be furnished in a more accessible and useful form 

 than heretofore. Thanks to the prudent management of our 

 Treasurer, our income exceeds our expenditure, and. I may 

 add, our Library is increasing. New members are, from time to 

 time, being added to our list, and we confidently expect new 

 applications for enrolment from such as are thirsting after 

 knowledge, or have truths to communicate. Here I may take 

 the liberty of observing, that perhaps some improvement may 

 be effected in the publication of our contributions, so as to 

 give to our labours a position which they do not occupy, — 

 likewise a more suitable place of meeting should be sought 

 after. Were the leading literary and scientific societies of 

 Edinburgh to unite in an application to Government for the 

 erection or appropriation of a suitable building for their ac- 

 commodation, the prayer of their petition would, in all proba- 

 bility be granted. Already the Architectural Institute of 

 Scotland has begun to move in the matter, and I trust they 

 will receive our cordial co-operation. When referring to 

 other societies, I may here mention that a movement was in 

 progress a year ago to effect a junction of the Wernerian Na- 

 tural History Society, which had become dormant, with our 

 Institution. The late Professor Edward Forbes entered cor- 

 dially into the scheme ; and the amalgamation would probably 

 by this time have taken place, if his life had been spared to 

 science. Should the subject be again considered, and over- 



