report that it is considered necessary that certain selected papers should be 
published in the form of a popular edition, and I would throw out the 
suggestion that some wise and competent person should be employed to draw 
up the collective results of these contributions. There are, of course, in the 
learned productions that are brought under the notice of the Institute, many 
things that are above the heads of the people. Still these things are 
necessary, and should be preserved in all their primitive keenness, and I 
believe that a popular resume , issued from time to time, would prove of great 
advantage. I know very well that some of these matters cannot be popularly 
explained, but must be addressed to the understanding of those who are 
really qualified to form a judgment upon them. But, for all this, I am glad 
to be able to come here and observe what is going on. I was glad also, 
after an absence of nine years, and in view of the increased interest that is 
taken in matters of this kind, to be present at a recent meeting where I 
heard from M. E. de Pressense an address on “ The Origin of Man,” in which 
he laid down the distinct provinces of science, theology, and philosophy, that 
the scientist is bound to keep to questions of fact, and not to neglect them to 
pursue the study of cause. Before concluding I may mention a fact which I 
think will be of interest to this society. I came to England expecting to meet 
among my friends one who was well known as a man of science, — the late Pro- 
fessor Clark Maxwell, of Cambridge and Aberdeen. He was a man of consum- 
mate ability, and one whose word was law on all questions which came within 
his special province. I hoped to have had the opportunity of conversing with 
him during my stay in this country ; but a year or so ago heard that he had 
been prematurely removed. I think I may use the word “prematurely,” as 
he was only forty-five years of age — a very youthful man for the reputation 
he had attained. I am, however, somewhat consoled for his loss by what I 
have heard of the state of mind in which he passed away. In the stillness of 
the sick-room where he then lay dying, and only a short time before his death, 
he was heard to say, unaware that any one was listening to take down the 
remark, “ Every good gift and every perfect hope is from above, and cometh 
down from the Father of Light, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow 
of turning.” This was the expressed conviction of a thorough man of science, 
and it is a fact that we ought all to be thankful for. (Hear, hear.) This 
statement almost reconciled me to his removal ; because it is such a decided 
expression of what a man in his position could feel with regard to these 
matters. I am afraid I have taken up too much of your time ; but what I 
have said is not the mere utterance of formal views, but an expression of 
opinion on behalf of the young and distant colony of New Zealand. 
(Applause.) I now beg most cordially to move the resolution with which I 
have been entrusted. 
Mr. G. Heap. — I have much pleasure in seconding the resolution. 
The motion having been put was carried unanimously. 
Mr. D. Howard, Y.P. Chem. Inst. — I have to thank you very heartily on 
behalf of the Council and Honorary Officers of the Victoria Institute for the 
vote of thanks you have given us. I can assure you that it is with no small 
