475 
to the whole field of human knowledge. No subjects are excluded 
from the parent society, but none should have a monopoly there. 
Whatever other societies do they are ready to do ; and in their 
Proceedings a full and free admission should be given to those sub- 
jects which cannot so properly find a place elsewhere. I cannot 
help thinking that this great multiplication of associations for the 
exclusive advancement of so many distinct branches of natural 
science, should lead the older and parent societies to extend as much 
as possible the basis of their own operations. The student who finds 
only his own pet study advanced by the association which bears its 
name, naturally looks for a greater variety of subjects in the Royal 
Society, to which the name of no particular science is attached. The 
course now pointed out to us is to take the widest range of questions 
connected with the pursuit of truth ; and this seems to me a strong 
argument for a more frequent introduction of literary papers. Bo- 
tanical or entomological societies draw round them only botanists 
and entomologists : The Royal Society should draw round it men 
of all pursuits. The continued absence of literary papers natu- 
rally excludes the full sympathy and cordial co-operation of those 
who are keenly interested in literature, but who do not take interest 
in minute details on scientific questions, whether of natural history 
or natural philosophy. My argument, then, in one word is this : 
That as ordinary scientific societies attract only those who pursue 
the studies to which they are specially dedicated, so the Royal So- 
ciety is intended to attract and interest all classes of men of research 
and intelligence. I am aware that I require apology for making 
these remarks ; but I offer them not only under a deep feeling of 
their importance, but from an assurance that persons whose valuable 
aid and countenance we would be proud of are kept away, because 
the Society’s papers and discussions are so seldom upon questions 
other than those connected with physical inquiries. 
After these remarks upon the labours of the Society past and 
future, I would say a few words on those of our body who have 
departed this life since we met within this hall last December. I 
think the practice adopted of late years by the Royal Society of 
Edinburgh, and which has been pursued by other kindred associa- 
tions, — I mean the practice of introducing, at the opening meeting of 
every Session, a short biographical reference to the deceased members 
of the past year, — is a most becoming and appropriate arrangement. 
VOL. iv. 3 s 
