110 
SITTINGS OF THE COUNCIL. 
A discussion then arose on the vexatious question respecting 
Dr. Mercer’s conduct. No notice had been taken by Dr. Mercer 
of the letter directed by the Council at their last meeting. A long 
and somewhat angry debate followed, and the Secretary was di- 
rected to write again to Dr. Mercer, expressing the surprise of 
the Council at Dr. M.’s not noticing the former letter. 
[This inquiry would never have taken the late vexatious turn 
had not some few members chosen to consider it as a personal one, 
entirely losing sight of the simple fact, that it was an inquiry into 
the improper discharge of official duties, the person holding the 
said office being only negatively affected : with the office the 
Council have every thing to do — with the man, nothing. It is the 
same false view of position which has from the commencement 
been the fruitful cause of disagreements : it is to be hoped that 
there will now be an end to such errors.] 
Sitting of January 14, 1847. 
A Special Meeting, called for this and following days to con- 
sider and revise the Bye-Laws, of which the requisite notice had 
been given more than three months since ; 
Present— the President, the Secretary, Messrs. Mayer, sen., 
Robinson, Jas. Turner, Henderson, Arthur Cherry, 
Wilkinson, Mayhew, Cherry, sen., and King. 
The minutes being read, before they were signed 
Mr. Arthur Cherry rose, and stated that he felt himself called 
on to enter a protest against those parts of the late proceedings 
which relate to the inquiry into the conduct of one of the Ex- 
aminers for Scotland, Dr. Mercer. He briefly stated his reasons 
for making such protest. The protest being read, 
Mr. Mayhew rose, and stated that he so perfectly agreed with 
the protest just read, that he must beg to be allowed to add his 
name to it. A lucid statement of the views which led him (Mr. 
Mayhew) to agree with the course taken by Mr. Arthur Cherry 
was then entered into ; after which the protest, with its double 
signature, was directed to be entered on the minutes ; and the 
President having signed the minutes, the special business of the 
evening commenced. 
The flrst question was the Apprenticeship Clause. A long and 
general discussion was tlmn entered into, many amendments were 
