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Proceedings of the Royal Society 
privileged to refer to the services of others. There never was a 
time probably in the history of the Society when there was so 
much activity in the executive Council, the members of which are 
carrying on the Society’s affairs with a zeal and discrimination which 
it is not the lot of all societies to experience. But beyond all 
question, the recent and present prosperity of the Royal Society of 
Edinburgh is mainly due to the distinguished services of our much- 
esteemed General Secretary, Professor Tait. Besides giving the 
Society the fruits of his own brilliant research in the many papers 
contributed by himself during every Session, he has by his great 
tact and administrative ability, gathered around him a band of 
fellow labourers, well chosen and effective ; and so long as such 
services are given, so long the Society’s influence will continue to be 
felt both at home and abroad. 
