PREFACE 



THE third year of the Great War, which has told somewhat 

 seriously upon the Learned Societies of our land, has 

 naturally aifected the Victoria Institute in respect of material 

 resources. It cannot be said, however, that it has exerted a 

 prejudicial influence upon the useful work and high standing of 

 the organization. 



At a glance it will be seen that, in point of contents and interest, 

 the present volume of Transactions fully maintains the high 

 standard attained in pre-War years. The variety of the subjects 

 brought before the Institute is very striking ; and, quite naturally, 

 to some extent they all have a bearing upon the great and 

 fundamental religious issues which the War has impressed upon 

 thoughtful minds. 



Whether concerned with Science or Philosophy, with Eeligious 

 Systems in general or Christian Principles in particular, the papers 

 aim at such an exhibition of Truth as is calculated to fortify the 

 minds of men and women in days when the follies of erroneous 

 thought and the consequences of rash and immature action are sadly 

 evident in the world. 



As intimated twelve months ago, the Council has reverted to the 

 custom of circulating in advance proofs of the papers to be read ; 

 and this practice has contributed, in an important degree, to a 

 wider interest in the papers and more directness in the dis- 

 cussions. 



During the year the Institute has mourned the loss of three of 

 its Vice-Presidents — General J. G. Halliday, Mr. David Howard, 

 D.L., F.C.S., and Professor Edward Hull, LL.D., F.R.S., each of 



