HISTORICAL SKETCH. 
467 
December 12, 1862. — G. F. Matthew read a paper on the Minerals of 
New Brunswick, published in the city papers. E. Allison read a paper on 
the Copper of Simpson’s Island. 
January 2, 1863. — G. A Hamilton, M. D., read a paper on “Variety of 
Complexion and Figure in the Human Species.” It was discussed by clerical 
and other members. 
January 16, 1863. — Professor L. W. Bailey’s paper on “Microscopic 
Flora” was read by Dr. H. C. Preston. 
January 20, 1863. — Annual meeting at which the report of the Council 
was read and officers elected for the ensuing year. Most of the officers were 
re-elected. William Jack, Esq., became the Vice-President, and R. Brittain 
and Drs. Hamilton and Preston joined the Council. 
Some extracts from the annual report will show how the Society of that 
day compares with the present conditions. There were eighty-one regular 
members; the sum that passed through the treasurer’s hands was two hundred 
and fifty-two dollars; there were one hundred and twenty volumes in the 
library and the number of forty-one benefactors (i. e. donors) are named. 
January 30, 1863. — Dr. Geo. Sinclair read a paper on “Certain Theories 
concerning the Origin of Species.” 
February 13, 1863. — Owing to the small attendance at the January 
meeting, Dr. Sinclair’s paper was re-read at this meeting. 
February 27, 1863. — The cabinets of minerals and fossils of the Stein- 
hammer Club were presented, and the members of the club made life mem- 
bers: C. F. Hartt, R. P. Starr, G. F. Matthew, W. R. Payne, J. B. Hegan. 
C. K. Fiske, M. D., presented twenty-four species of native Anatidse. He 
also was made a life member. Mr. Justice Parker read a paper on the “Early 
History of the Province.” 
March 13, 1863. — Dr. G. A. Hamilton read a second paper on “Natural 
Causes of Variety of Complexion, etc., in the Human Species.” 
March 27, 1863. — No paper read. Reports on various topics connected 
with the business of the Society. 
April 10, 1863. — ■ G. F. Matthew read his paper, “Observations on the 
Geology of St. John County, New Brunswick.” (Published in Canadian 
Naturalist, yol. VIII, August, 1863, Montreal, 241-261). 
April 24, 1863. — -Gilbert Murdoch read his “Notes on Meteorology,” 
being a summary of observations at St. John between 1850 and 1862. 
November 20, 1863. — C. F. Hartt gave notice of a proposed amendment 
to the Constitution. Dr. G. A Hamilton read a paper, “A General View 
of the Method of Study in Natural History.” 
November 27, 1863. — Dr. C. K. Fiske made a Life Member. The 
society undertook to purchase Mr. C. F. Hartt’s collection of fossil plants 
for the museum. Mr. C. F. Hartt read a paper on “Reptiles of Acadia.” 
December 18, 1863. — Dr. Geo. Sinclair read a paper, on “Observations on 
Phrenology as a Science.” It was illustrated by diagrams and specimens. 
