SIR JOSEPH BANKS. 
1 66 
of the cold, that has for centuries past enclosed the seas in the high 
northern latitudes in an impenetrable barrier of ice, has been, during 
the last two years, greatly abated.” 
The Admiralty approved of the fitting out of the expedition, and the 
Royal Society was consulted in regard to the scientific imstruments 
necessary therefor. 
In 1819 it was proposed to form an Astronomical Society, and this 
met with the determined opposition of Sir Joseph Banks, who thought, 
as in the case of the Geological Society, that its establishment would 
injure the Royal Society. We can respect the President’s misap- 
prehensions, but they were groundless nevertheless. 
“ In May, 1820, declining health led the venerable President to wish 
to retire from the chair. At a very full meeting of the Council, specially 
summoned on the 18th of the above month. Sir Everard Home informed 
the members, that “ they were called together by desire of the Presi- 
dent, who, in consequence of the failure of his general health, felt 
himself too much oppressed longer to perform the duties of President, 
and had, therefore, with the deepest regret, requested Sir Everard to 
give to the Council his resignation of that most honourable office, 
which has constituted the pride and happiness of his life.” 
This communication was received in a manner highly complimentary 
and flattering to Sir Joseph Banks. Instead of accepting his resigna- 
tion, the Council resolved, “ That they do with one voice express their 
most ardent wishes that the President should not withdraw from the 
Chair of the Society, which he has filled so ably and honourably during a 
period of forty-two years.” It was at the same time resolved, “ That the 
Lord Bishop of Carlisle be requested to transmit to the President the above 
unanimous resolution of the Council, and to report his answer thereon.” 
At the next meeting of the Council, the following communication 
from the President was read by the Bishop of Carlisle : — 
“ Sir Joseph Banks begs leave to inform the Council of the Royal 
Society, that his motive for offering his resignation of the office of 
President, was a conviction that old age had so far impaired his sight 
and his hearing as to render him by no means so well able to perform 
the duties of that respectable office as he has been. He is gratified in 
the extreme by finding that the Council think it possible for him to 
continue his services without detriment to the interests of the Society, 
and he begs leave to withdraw his resignation, assuring the Council 
that his utmost exertions shall never be wanting to conduct, so far as 
may be in his power, the affairs of the Society.”* 
Sir .loseph Banks’ apprehensions as to the state of his health were, 
however, too well founded ; the last time he occupied the chair was 
at the ordinary meeting on the 16th March, 1820 — on Monday, the 
19th Jmie, he died. 
• Weld, ii, 300, 301. 
