48 
generalizing on insufficient premises. As one of these travellers, I hope 
some day, by the permission of the Council, to contribute something towards 
the elucidation of the probable causes of the Noachian Deluge. A new fact 
which I have seen illustrated at another Institution this very day — the micro- 
phone-gives to the world the power of microscopic hearing, as it has long 
had that of microscopic seeing, and if the latter power has led philosophers 
into some errors of theory, it may be that this new power will correct their 
views, and bring them more nearly into accordance with truth. Meanwhile, 
we can scarcely be surprised if there are some in all ages — more and more, it 
is to be remarked, a minority — who misuse the increments of knowledge, as 
they are vouchsafed from the Divine Giver of all human science. Approving, 
then, as I do most heartily, the financial state of the Victoria Institute, 
and the manner in which the noble work on which it is engaged is conducted 
I have the greatest pleasure in seconding the resolution. 
The resolution was carried unanimously. 
Rev. Principal Boultbee, LL.D. — I beg to move “ That the thanks of the 
members and associates be presented to the Council, Honorary Officers, and 
Auditors, for their efficient conduct of the business of the Victoria Institute 
during the past year.” If the length of a speech were any measure of one’s 
sense of the importance of a subject, my speech ought to be a very long one. 
The success of the Institute has been beyond any expectation that might 
fairly have been raised. This has been due to the wisdom and industry of 
the managers, amongst whom the honorary secretary deserves conspicuous 
mention. They have had many delicate and difficult matters to deal with, 
and their discretion and good judgment have safely carried the Institute 
through its earlier struggles to its present position of power and usefulness. 
But experience tells me that a lengthy speech is out of place and out of taste 
at these annual meetings, as tending to keep us from the leading object of 
our assemblage, the delivery of the Address from the eminent person appointed 
to speak. I would therefore only observe that the existence and success of 
the Institute testify to two facts : — First, our conviction that true science 
can never be discordant with revelation rightly interpreted — God’s voice in 
nature and in His word must be in harmony ; secondly, that a certain section 
of men of science are unfairly using supposed scientific discoveries as weapons 
against Revelation. Instead of the simple endeavour to discover and esta- 
blish the truth of scientific knowledge, there is a manifest tendency to use im- 
perfectly discovered or doubtful and speculative matters as stones to be 
thrown at Revelation. To meet and expose this unfairness — to examine and 
adjust the real bearing to Revelation of that which is known and established 
— to sift the speculative from the ascertained, is under these circumstances 
a duty of the gravest nature ; and this work has been faithfully and efficiently 
done by this Institute (cheers). 
M. H. HaUersiion, Esq. — I have great pleasure in seconding the reso- 
lution so ably moved by Dr. Boultbee. The progress of the Institute in times 
which have tried every Society, more or less, is a sufficient evidence both of 
