of Edinburgh, Session 1870-71. 
289 
late Principal Forbes strongly maintained the expediency of a 
central society on a separate ground, which is explained in the 
following paragraphs of his address. He urged that — 
“ To maintain the character for energy and stability of one central society, 
is in reality the common interest of all who cultivate science. Delightful 
and instructive meetings may he held by a local body of geologists, or 
chemists, or naturalists* But such local associations require immense vitality 
to be permanent. Generally they fall into abeyance in twenty or thirty 
years ; and if they attempt to record their labours by publications, these 
publications having never attained more than a very limited circulation, be- 
come inaccessible and forgotten. The matured written reports of these 
labours in minor societies, are best consigned for preservation to the publica- 
tions of a central and enduring association.” 
All these views evidently point to our own Society, as being one 
well qualified to undertake the duties and position Of a central 
body in order to promote co-operation and confederation among 
the various scientific bodies in Scotland ; and if it be objected 
that my views could not be carried out without some considerable 
change in our established customs, I have only to say, that as in 
Grovernments, it is wise to make from time to time such reforms as 
are called for, in order to retain public confidence, or promote 
more efficient action ; so in other institutions, it is equally expedi- 
ent to watch the progress of events, which may necessitate from 
time to time some changes in their modes of operation. 
The changes, however, which would benefit both our own Society 
and others, are really not so important, as that the Council of its 
own authority may not competently adopt them. They are as 
follows : — 
(ls£.) That should any society in Scotland having literary or 
scientific objects, desire to be connected with the Eoyal Society of 
Edinburgh, it shall, if our Council approves, be held to be affiliated 
with us, and to be entitled to the privileges of an affiliated society. 
(2d.) That any member of an affiliated society, on intimating 
to our secretary his name and address, shall receive a billet, en- 
titling him to free access to our meetings, as well as to our library 
and reading-room. 
(3d.) That an affiliated society shall have right to send to us, 
through its office-bearers, reports or papers by any of its members, 
on literary or scientific subjects, which if approved by the Council, 
