BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
251 
of the local fossil fauna. Other sciences, astronomy in particular, 
were industriously pursued, though, naturally, with an enthusiasm 
subordinate to the dominant hobby. In 1853, Dr, Lister, having 
succeeded to the estate of his cousin, the late Miss Anne Lister, 
removed to Shibden Hall. It was, however, his custom to spend the 
winter season in London, partly in order to enjoy the advantages of 
attending the meetings of the various learned Societies with which 
he was connected. He was a Member of the Royal Institution, and 
Fellow of the Geological, Zoological, Geographical and Anthropological 
Societies. Thus he became intimately acquainted with many of the 
leading savants of the time, such as Waterhouse Hawkins, Salter, 
Tennant, &c. Dr. Lister was placed, in his latter days, on the Com- 
mission of the Peace for the West Riding, and, moreover, appointed 
a Visiting Justice. He died very suddenly, at Aberystwith, on the 
6th August, 1867, and was buried in St. Anne's Churchyard, South- 
owram, leaving a widow and two sons and a daughter surviving him. 
William Alexander, M.D. 
Dr. William Alexander was an original member and one of the 
founders of this Society, and took a great interest in its subsequent 
proceedings. For many years he occupied the position of Honorary 
Local Secretary at Halifax, and was a member of the Council from an 
early period to the time of his death, which took place after an illness 
of only a few hours, on the 13th of April, 1888, at his residence in 
Blackwall, Halifax ; the worthy Doctor being then in his 82nd year. 
A few month's before Mr. Alexander's death occurred, the following 
letter was received, in reply to a request for information respecting 
the early history of the Society or its Members resident in Halifax. 
Br. Alexander to Mr. Davis. 
Halifax, November 23rd, 1887. 
My Dear Mr. Davis, 
I must apologise for not answering, at once, your favour of the 
5th November. It seems to me a bright idea that you should edit 
short biographical notices of the members for the Yorkshire Geological 
and Polytechnic Society, and incorporate a sketch of its history. 
My cousin, Mr. Christopher Rawson, and the Rev. William Turner 
