of Edinburgh , Session 1885-86. . 975 
vibration has no sufficiently definite analogue in the laboratory of 
the experimenter. 
All that I claim to have proved is, that the body is surrounded 
by vibrating matter, stimulating its sensitive surface. That in all 
cases the process of stimulation with the production of a consequent 
sensation is the same to this extent, that the quality of the sensation 
is dependent upon the character (pitch and complexity) of the 
vibrating matter, just as a certain class of salts of allied chemical 
and physical properties vibrate in a similar way, and stimulating 
the eye, produce the same colour sensation ; just as certain strings of 
definite length and consistency vibrate in a similar way and produce 
the same sound ; so, in like manner, the similar sapid compounds 
(containing similar elements or the same compound radicals) vibrate 
in a similar way and produce the same taste. 
Concluding Address by Eobert Gray, Esq., Vice-President. 
In reviewing for a moment the business of the Session now about 
to be closed, I think we may fairly congratulate ourselves on the 
satisfactory results ; indeed, I may venture to say that at no period 
of its history has the Society shown so much vitality, or such a 
capacity for solid scientific work. Since the opening meeting in 
December last, ninety-one communications have been submitted at 
the ordinary meetings, the number being nineteen higher than last 
Session, and greatly in excess of the average of previous years. 
These papers may be classed under the following heads : — Physics, 
30; Mathematics, 7; Hydrology, 5; Chemistry, 10; Geology, 2; 
Mineralogy, 1; Meteorology, 10; Biology, 4; Botany, 2; Physio- 
logy, 13; Anatomy, 5; Anthropology, 2. 
Thirty-six Fellows have joined the Society during the past 
Session, and four deaths have taken place. The total number of 
Fellows on the roll at present is 462. With regard to the deceased 
Fellows they will receive due mention by competent writers in our 
Obituary Notices ; but I may meanwhile be permitted to say that in 
Bishop Cotterill, whose deeply affecting message to his clergy and 
his people, when he learned the nature of his last illness, will not 
soon be forgotten, the Diocese of Edinburgh has lost an able 
administrator, a learned theologian, and an earnest teacher ; in Dr 
