2 



Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society. 



already been given by Fellows of the Society, more competent 

 for the duty than myself. It has occurred to me that a brief 

 notice of two Edinburgh Natural History Societies, which have 

 now ceased to exist, and more particularly of the Wernerian 

 Society, might not be altogether uninteresting. 



Natural History studies are peculiarly fitted to call forth 

 the principles of association. There is .something connected 

 with the prosecution of them which draws students together, 

 and which binds them by ties of no ordinary kind. The study 

 of the Rocks and Minerals, Plants and Animals, of our globe 

 naturally leads to extended wanderings over mountain and 

 plain, by river side or ocean shore, during which the com- 

 panionship of friends becomes especially valuable and cheer- 

 ing. There is a sociality in such pursuits which insensibly 

 unites men in scientific brotherhood. Those who have joined 

 in natural history excursions know well the fascination of such 

 rambles, and look back with pleasure to the friendships thus 

 formed. The collections made become also bonds of union. 

 For every naturalist knows the importance of the interchange of 

 specimens. The system of exchange has led to the formation 

 of many associations. It was this which in a great measure 

 led to the institution of the Botanical Society of this city. 



Edinburgh has been long celebrated for its Natural History 

 Societies. The situation of our city, the rich fauna and flora 

 of its neighbourhood, its instructive geological and mineralo- 

 gical features, have rendered it one of the places best fitted for 

 the prosecution of natural science in its practical details. The 

 student has ample opportunities of pursuing science in all its 

 departments. Our museums and gardens also supply a valu- 

 able means of acquiring information. Thus it is, that as a 

 school of natural science, there is scarcely any city which pos- 

 sesses greater advantages. It might have been expected, 

 therefore, that scientific societies would spring up among us. . 



The Physical Society was among the earliest established, and 

 it speedily acquired great eminence from the activity and zeal 

 of its members. It embraced the whole range of science, both 

 natural and physical, and it especially called forth the energies 

 of young men who were zealously cultivating science within 

 the walls of our University. It has had its reverses no doubt, 



