40 
CHAPTER II. 
SOME OF THE FOUNDERS OF THE SOCIETY. 
The biographical notices of members of the Society which follow 
have been kindly prepared by those whose names are attached. It 
has not been considered desirable to include a detailed description of 
the special work done by each member, in connection with the 
institution and rise of the Society ; that will be found in its proper 
place in other pages. Neither does it appear desirable that the 
notice should be restricted to the scientific side of the individual's 
character, but rather that it should present as varied and full a 
picture of him as may bo consistent with the space at our disposal, 
and the information and knowledge possessed by the biographer. 
The Society, during its existence of more than half a century has 
had two presidents ; first, Earl Fitzwilliam, K.G., who was elected 
at its first meeting in 1837, and continued to hold and adorn the 
office until his death in 1857 ; and second, the Marquis of Ripon, K.G., 
who, as Viscount Goderich, M.P., was elected in 1858, and continues 
still, without intermission, after a period of more than 30 years, to 
occupy the position. The Society has been fortunate in being 
presided over by two gentlemen, who, whilst an ornament to their 
high position and estate, have placed their wide knowledge and 
accumulated experience at the disposal of the council and the mem- 
bers. Both imbued with a thorough sympathy with everything 
calculated to be of use to their fellows, they have always encouraged 
the spread of education, and sought by all the means in their power 
to infuse a love of learning in those with whom they have associated. 
This Society is, at any rate, a living witness of the success of those 
efforts. 
