PROCEEDINGS 
OF THE 
ROYAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH. 
vol. xxxyi. ' 1915-16. 
I.-- The Influence of James Geikie’s Researches on the Develop- 
ment of Glacial Geology. Opening Address by John 
Horne, LL.D., F.R.S., President. 
(November 1, 1915.) 
My first duty is to express my cordial thanks to the Council and Fellows 
of this Society for electing me as President in succession to the late Professor 
Geikie. I have accepted the honour with great reluctance, for I am 
conscious of the fact that others have far stronger claims, and have waived 
their claims under very exceptional circumstances. But I may take this 
opportunity of assuring the Fellows that since they have been pleased to 
confirm the recommendation of the Council, I shall take an active interest 
in the affairs of the Society and do my best to promote its welfare. 
The list of papers read during the past session shows that important 
contributions relating to different branches of science have been made to 
the Society. Notwithstanding the strain caused by the war, the output of 
original work is noteworthy. In this connection reference may be made to 
some researches having a direct bearing on the war. Last session the 
Council appointed a Committee, composed of leading scientists, to conduct 
investigations in connection with submarines, aeroplanes, asphyxiating gas, 
and high explosives. The experimental work has been carried out with 
the financial aid of an anonymous donor, whose generosity and patriotic 
spirit have been highly appreciated by the Council. These researches are 
still in progress, and are likely to result in suggestions that may be of 
practical value to the State. 
Important changes affecting the mode of election of Fellows are worthy 
VOL. XXXVI. 1 
