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Though never aiming at being an ostensible leader in the 
world of science, he nobly demonstrated the possibility of 
combining what many deem incompatible pursuits. He 
was a practical, indefatigable, and successful merchant, con- 
ducting the affairs of an important firm, at the same time 
that he engaged in refining pursuits with an energy but 
little inferior to that of a professional man of science. It 
is much to be desired that the number of those who are 
following his example should be largely increased. 
The Society has also lost one of its honorary members, 
Mr. John Hartnup, of the Observatory, Liverpool, and one of 
its corresponding members, the eminent engineer, M. Barre 
de St. Venant, Ingenieur-en-chef des Fonts et Chaussees. 
In the last report it was stated that a committee had 
been appointed to consider to what additional uses the 
library and the new rooms could be devoted. A scheme 
was drawn up and approved of by the Council to accom- 
modate other Societies in these rooms under such con- 
ditions as would not interfere with the independence of our 
own Society and would add to its income. The Council 
has accepted the offer of the Manchester Medical Society for 
the use of the library as a reading and meeting room, at a 
payment of £55. Telephonic communication has also been 
established with their library at The Owens College, and 
with the subscribers whose names are on the Telephonic 
Exchange system. The Manchester Scientific Students 
Association has also accepted the terms of your Council. 
Few additions have been made to the list of honorary 
members for several years, only one member having been 
added to the list since 1872. The revival of this part of the 
Society’s duty has engaged the attention of the Council, 
and during the past session fifteen gentlemen representing 
various branches of knowledge have been added to the list. 
The advantage of such a connection is twofold. Besides 
honouring the recipient, it has a salutary effect on our own 
