476 
Whilst, on the one hand, it enables the chairman to offer a suitable 
testimony to many a distinguished example of zeal for literature and 
science, and of well-directed labour in their cause, and whilst he is 
thus enabled to enlarge upon ingenious discoveries and useful inven- 
tions, at the same time it indicates a very becoming feeling of in- 
terest in the Society towards its individual members as fellow- 
citizens, and as companions embarked in a common cause, and is a 
graceful recognition of them in their private character, showing the 
friendly bond by which we are united, as associates of an ancient 
and distinguished literary and scientific institute. Sir It. Murchison 
seems to have had this feeling strong in his mind during his address 
to the Geographical Society in 1859. In taking leave of the chair 
he says, “ With truth, I take leave of my dear friends as the really 
good fellows of the Royal Geographical Society;” and surely the 
Royal Society of Edinburgh has just cause to be proud of many 
names who now bear, and who have in times past borne, the title of 
Fellows. The present roll of the members embraces many persons 
distinguished not only at home, but amongst the philosophers of 
Europe. In the list of past members are recorded names imperish- 
able in the annals of history, — names associated with the highest pro- 
ductions of the human mind. This we may fairly say, when amongst 
our departed members we find such names as Hume, Robertson, 
Black, Adam Smith, Sir Humphry Davy, Sir Walter Scott. Now, 
in looking back upon the changes which the past year has made in 
our list of members, we find that those whom we have lost were all 
men of a certain degree of weight and influence in their position in 
society ; all were men much respected by their cotemporaries, and 
men whose death called forth many sincere expressions of sympathy 
and regret. It is somewhat remarkable that none of these members 
belonged, properly speaking, to the scientific department of the So- 
ciety. No one had adopted the pursuit of pure mathematics, or their 
application to the laws of nature. None were geologists, chemists, 
or naturalists, beyond that general acquaintance and intelligence 
possessed now by most men of education. Our deceased members 
were well known, however, in connection with the business of their 
day. We have to mark a past career which is associated with a 
high place, indeed the highest place, in the government of the country. 
We see the vacant places of men who were no ordinary proficients 
in the discharge of life’s duties, and the more particular duties to 
