185 
of Edinburgh, Session 1867 - 68 . 
halls which they occupy, or to contemplate the chefs d'oeuvres of 
modern or living artists, with the sculptor himself standing by 
their side, must excite an interest of no ordinary kind. 
The works of the architect, the engineer, and the mechanist, 
may also be exhibited in full relief at our schools ;—the gigantic 
aqueducts of ancient and modern times ; — the viaducts and bridges 
which span our valleys and our rivers ; — and the living machinery 
in our factories and workshops, which toil daily for our benefit, 
and supply the commerce of the world. 
With such means in our power, cheaply obtained, and easily 
applied, a large portion of scientific instruction may be instilled 
into the youth of our schools, — familiarising them with the works 
of their Maker, and preparing them for the reception of that 
higher revelation with which the truths of science cannot fail to 
harmonise. The knowledge thus imparted will not be confined to 
the schoolroom. It will elevate the amusements of the holiday 
and the leisure hour. It will pass into the cottage, amusing and 
enlightening its inmates. It will find its way into the workshop, 
giving skill to the workman, and value to his work. It will in- 
sinuate itself into the servants’ hall, and even into the boudoir and 
the drawing-room, returning an usurious interest upon the liber- 
ality which introduced it into the school. Thus, diffused among our 
now popular constituencies, and appreciated by those above them, 
the truths of science may rise into the regions of legislation, wresting 
from the still reluctant statesman a measure of secular, scientific, and 
compulsory education, by which the benighted and criminal popu- 
lation around us may be taught to fear G-od and honour the King. 
In conformity with the usual practice of the Society, the fol- 
lowing brief notices are given of deceased Members, arranged 
alphabetically. In calling your attention to the present state of 
our Society, I regret to state that our losses during the past year 
have been severe, not only in their number, but in the talent and 
reputation of our deceased colleagues. 
Sir Archibald Alison, Bart., was the younger son of the Rev. 
Archibald Alison, LL.B., a Fellow of this Society, who was for 
