28 
on-Tyne, in 1863, attended by 3335 persons, and most of the large towns in 
England have received the Association two or "three times. In 1864, at the 
Bath meeting, a Pharmaceutical Conference was .inaugurated, which has 
continued to hold yearly meetings, three days before the opening of the 
Association meeting. 
II. Objects. The Association aimed at the advancement of science, — 
a. Directly, by pecuniary grants towards the furtherance of 
original investigation. 
b. Indirectly, by the formation of an enlightened public opinion 
upon scientific matters. 
The Association is, ^probably more than any other body, the recognised 
representative of national science, and in this capacity is the scientific 
adviser of the Government. One of the most important public works 
carried on by it was the maintenance of the Kew Observatory. Several 
others were also alluded to. 
III. Constitution and Organization. 
The Association consists of Life Members, Annual Members and Associates. 
The latter class consists of ladies and gentlemen who join simply for one 
meeting, and is^usually composed of local residents. The Association is 
essentially peripatetic— never meeting in London — but endeavouring to give 
a scientific stimulus to the town where it does meet. It is managed by the 
General Committee, a thoroughly representative body, which elects the 
Council and Officers of the Association, decides on the place of meeting, the 
amount of pecuniary grants, &c. The executive power rests with the 
Council, which meets in London., All local arrangements as to meetings 
are left to the local committee, organised in each town prior to the visit of 
the Association. For the more systematic pursuit of each branch of science, 
seven sections are formed, each with its Officers and Committee. • 
A. Mathematics and Physics. 
B. Chemistry. 
C. Geology. 
D. Biology, divided into the sub-sections of Zoology and Botany, 
Anatomy and Physiology, Anthropology. 
E. Geography. 
F. Economic Science and Statistics. 
G. Mechanical Science. 
In each of these sections, papers are read and discussed, the reports of 
Committees of Investigation presented, &c. during the day. The evenings 
a* 3 occupied with the President's address, lectures by distinguished men, 
