112 



Anniversary Meeting. 



[Nov. 30, 



Dr.Matthiessen's researches, published in the Philosophical Transactions, 

 on the action of oxidizing agents upon organic bases and on the chemical 

 constitution of narcotics (the latter investigation having been conducted in 

 conjunction with Professor G. C. Foster), furnish proofs of the success of his 

 labours in orgauic chemistry. The accounts published in our * Proceedings,' 

 of the results of his most recent researches in this branch of chemical 

 science, show that he has entered upon a line of investigation as productive 

 of interesting and important results as any which he has yet pursued. Thus, 

 he has already established an intimate relation between the organic bases 

 morphia and codeia, and has shown that when either of these is treated 

 with hydrochloric acid, a new base is produced, which he has called apo- 

 morphia, and which, though only differing from the powerful narcotic 

 morphia by the elements of water, possesses the very distinct characteristics 

 of a most powerful emetic. The substance known as Papaverine, hitherto 

 regarded as a distinct organic base, is at the present time the subject of 

 Dr. Matthiessen's study, and promises to yield results of considerable 

 interest. 



Dr. Matthiessen's researches are distinguished as well for their diversity 

 as for their uniformly complete and trustworthy character. 



Dr. Matthiessen, 

 I have great pleasure iu presenting you with this Medal, which you will 

 receive as a mark of the value which the Royal Society attaches to your 

 researches, and the interest with which it regards your continuation of 

 them. 



Before concluding, I have to acquaint you that the Society will in future 

 years have an additional Medal to bestow. Dr. John Davy, brother of Sir 

 Humphry Davy, has bequeathed to the Royal Society, in fulfilment of an 

 expressed wish of his illustrious brother, a sendee of Plate, presented to 

 Sir Humphry Davy for the invention of the Safety Lamp, to be emploved 

 in founding a Medal to be given annually for the most important dis- 

 covery in Chemistry made in Europe or Anglo- America. The directions 

 given in the will, respecting the manner in which the plate should be dis- 

 posed of, have been fulfilled, and the proceeds invested in India securities, 

 yielding a little more than 3630 a year ; and it now remains with your 

 Council to determine the form of the Medal, and to specify the conditions 

 under which it will be awarded. 



On the motion of Capt. Richards, seconded by Mr. Abel, it was re- 

 solved, — "That the thanks of the Society be returned to the President for 

 his Address, and that he be requested to allow it to be printed." 



The Statutes relating to election of the Council and Officers having 

 been read, and Mr. C. V. Walker and Dr. Webster having been, with the 

 consent of the Society, nominated Scrutators, the votes of the Fellows 



