212 Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society. 



only on the opening nights, but on all occasions, was always 

 to be depended upon, and ever hailed with pleasure and confi- 

 dence. I am sure it must be the universal feeling of the 

 members, that in the decease of Mr William Oliphant, 

 the treasurer, the Society has sustained a loss which will be 

 deeply felt, and which cannot readily be replaced, while 

 every individual has to mourn the loss -of a personal friend. 

 Carefully and liberally educated, and at first intended for one 

 of the learned professions, the naturally delicate state of 

 Mr Oliphant's constitution prevented him from prosecuting 

 his original intention ; but he still chose a walk of life 

 which gave scope to his love of and desire for knowledge, 

 and as a publisher he became the successful difYuser, as well 

 as in several instances the patron and kind friend, of those 

 engaged in the pursuit of literature and science. Mr Oli- 

 phant became a member of the Eoyal Physical Society in 

 August 1828, and was thus in connection with it for a period 

 of thirty-two years. A few years after his entrance, he was 

 requested to undertake the duties of occasional secretary, 

 and from 1844 to 1848 he acted as secretary. For the last 

 ten years, as you all know, he fulfilled the duties of trea- 

 surer. Under all the phases which this Society has passed 

 through, from the period mentioned, — in its prosperity, in its 

 difficulties, in its temporary decline, and again in its com- 

 plete revival, — Mr Oliphant tenderly nursed it, husbanded its 

 funds, preserved its library, and found for the Society this 

 local habitation, when it removed from its apartments within 

 the University ; and all this was accomplished in that quiet, 

 unostentatious, unobtrusive way, which was so character- 

 istic of his nature. His voice was never heard amongst us 

 but in the gentlest and most appropriate suggestions — -he 

 never obtruded but to conciliate, to oblige, and to guide by 

 his advice, which was always sound and considerate. Not 

 only this Society, but society at large, must feel the loss of 

 such a man ; for it is not those who make most noise, and 

 take the most conspicuous parts in society, who are in reality 

 the main stay, and strength, and ornaments of social life, 

 but such a genuine, highly -principled, unassuming, yet 

 active, benevolent, and altogether estimable character as 



