21'2 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 diffuser, 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 Koyal 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 
difiiculties, 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 tbe 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 
