28 



dom, that of Liverpool perhaps excepted, were confined to the expe- 

 rience and tact of those who were accustomed to use them ; but how 

 different is the case at present ! The rules for the construction of tide 

 tables are not only public property, but are based upon the most ex- 

 tensive observations : laws, whose existence was hardly suspected, 

 are now distinctly laid down : the progress of the waves in the most 

 frequented parts of the ocean is iDCginning to be accurately deve- 

 loped : theory, which was formerly in advance of observation, 

 though greatly improved in those parts of it which do not involve 

 the hydrodynamical laws of the ocean, is now greatly behind it ; 

 and such a basis of facts has been laid down as may enable the 

 mathematician to commence such a series of investigations, as may 

 terminate in enabling another Laplace to give to the theory of the 

 tides a form which may rival, in the certainty of its predictions, tlie 

 almost perfect theories of physical astronomy. 



On the motion of Mr. Davies Gilbert, the thanks of the Society 

 were voted to His Royal Highness the President for his excellent 

 Address, accompanied with a request that His Royal Highness would 

 allow it to be jorinted. 



The Statutes relating to the election of Council and Officers w-ere 

 then read by the Secretary ; and Joseph Smith and Richard 

 Horsman Solly, Esqrs., being nominated by the Chairman, with the 

 approbation of the Meeting, Scrutators to assist the Secretaries in 

 examining the balloting lists, the votes of the Fellows present were 

 collected. 



The ballot being taken, the Scrutators reported the following as 

 the result : 



President. — His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex, K.G. 

 Treasurer. — Francis Baily, Esq. 

 Secretaries, — Peter Mark Roget, M.D. ; Samuel Hunter Christie, 

 Esq., MA. 



Foreign Secretary. — William Henry Smyth, Capt. R.N. 

 Other 3Iembers of the Council. — John Bostock, INLD. ; The Earl of 

 Burlington ; John George Children, Esq. ; John Frederick Da- 

 niell, Esq. ; Sir Philip Grey Egerton, Bart. ; Davies Gilbert, Esq., 

 D.C.L. ; Charles Konig, Esq. ; The Marquis of Northampton ; 

 Rev. George Peacock, M.A. ; William Haslediue Pepys, Esq.; 

 Stephen Peter Rigaud, Esq., J\LA ; John Forbes Royle, M.D. ; 

 Benjamin Travers, Esq. ; James Walker, Esq ; Charles Wheat- 

 stone, Esq. ; Rev. William Whewell, M.A. 



The thanks of the Society were then voted to the Scrutators, for 

 their trouble in assisting at the Election. 



