448 
The Credulity of Scepticism. By the Rev. Robinson Thornton, D.D., 
Vice-President. (Being the Annual Address, delivered on May 24th.) 
Current Physical Astronomy. By James Reddie, Esq., Hon. Sec. V.I. 
(June 21st.) 
10. The Council desire specially to call attention to the 
three valuable Papers on “ Human Responsibility,” read by 
the Rev. Prebendary Irons, D.D., which they have decided 
upon publishing separately at once, (without waiting for the 
issue of the Journals in which they will eventually appear 
with the Discussions thereon,) on account of their great im- 
portance as contributions to the literature of Moral Science ; 
these Papers being peculiarly adapted to meet a want of the 
present time, and to counteract atheistic principles. 
11. The Council once again urge upon intending Con- 
tributors of Papers the desirableness of having them prepared 
and sent in early, and, if possible, before the next Session 
commences ; so that timely notice of Papers to be read may 
be given to the Members and Associates. Several most 
valuable contributions are already promised. 
Publications . 
12. Parts 9, 10, and 11 of the Journal of Transactions have 
duly appeared ; and the Council trust that those numbers will 
be found to maintain the interest aroused by the earlier publi- 
cations. Part 12, completing Volume III., is in the press, 
and will be issued early in August. Part 8, containing the 
Rev. Walter Mitchell’s paper on Crystallography (the publi- 
cation of which has been so long unavoidably delayed from 
various circumstances), is now expected to be shortly issued ; 
thus completing Volume II. 
Conclusion . 
13. It will be seen from last year’s expenditure in the 
Balance Sheet, that only by the exercise of the greatest 
economy can the working expenses of the Institute be de- 
frayed out of the present estimated income for this year ; and 
that there must be a considerable increase of members and of 
funds ere all the objects for which the Institute was formed 
can be attained. It is felt to be especially desirable to secure 
the advantages of a Reference Library and a Reading-room, 
with more convenient offices. A few interesting and valuable 
works have been presented to the Library during the year, 
