47 
decomposition may be arrested artificially to the preservation 
of health without the destruction of vegetation, and that in 
these facts we have not only a surer basis in our reasonings 
on the origin of malaria, but an almost certain process for its 
ultimate and total extermination. 
SECTION FOR STATISTICS AND SOCIOLOGY. 
March 27th, 1660. 
A Paper, “ On Scientific Philanthropy, or the Best Means 
of Promoting Social Reform,” by Mr. Thomas Ballantvne, 
communicated by Dr. R. A. Smith, was read. 
This great problem may be thus briefly stated. A fearful 
amount of moral and physical wretchedness exists in Man- 
chester and the neighbourhood ; is there wisdom and energy 
enough among the wealthy and intelligent classes of this city 
to remove or greatly mitigate that wretchedness ; and if there 
is, how can we best organize these two elements of power in 
the most efficient manner ? The great point is to combine 
ardent philanthropy, which gives strength of will, to scien- 
tific knowledge, which gives practical insight as to the best 
mode of working. Before we can hope to see a healthy and 
vigorous movement for the social improvement of Manchester, 
we must bring the science of our most intelligent reformers 
into harmony with the warm-hearted sympathy of our self- 
devoted philanthropists. 
Mr. Ballantyne was of opinion that it was the peculiar 
province of a Society, such as this, to illustrate the best means 
of treating this most desirable object. 
October 24th, 1860. 
Dr. R. Angus Smith, F.R.S., read a Paper entitled, 
“ Some Thoughts on the Relation of Work and Workers.” 
He said the want of attachment to its leaders was not found 
