PART OF A LIFE HISTORY 
11 
u 
until 1890, when it made way for a Biological section, 
which, however, never flourished ; so in 1896 the Botanical 
was revived, and is stiU in existence, though very lethargic. 
The Entomological and Geological sections have survived 
until the present time, the latter being in a splendidly 
vigorous condition. The Chemical and Photographic lived 
only three years, but a Chemical and Physical section 
came into being in January, 1878, and has only just ex- 
pired. It was for many years a very active member of 
the family. The Zoological section became moribund in 
1875, but did not officially pass into oblivion until two 
years later. In October, 1886, a Microscopical section 
was instituted, but it came to an untimely end in 1890o 
In January, 1887, an Engineering section started, with a 
“ flourish of trumpets,” but it was abolished in 1893. 
The tenth and last on the list, the Ornithological section, 
was formed in October, 1896, and, having completed the 
work of cataloguing the local birds, it voluntarily dis- 
solved in 1900. 
The place of meeting was in the “ Bristol Philosophical 
Institution ” until March 2, 1871. On May 4 of that 
year the Society met for the first time in the “ Bristol 
Museum and Library,” and it continued to meet there 
until November, 1883. On December 6, 1883, the meet- 
ing was held in “ University College,” and within its 
hospitable walls we have met ever since. 
The hour for the General Meetings' was at first 7.30 ; but 
from October 1873 onwards it has been 8 p.m. In the 
early days of the Society, too, the time for closing the 
meetings seems to have been rigidly adhered to, and there 
are many entries in the Minutes as to Papers being post- 
poned, or discussions cut short at 9.30, by reason of the 
“ lateness of the hour.” 
Members were at first of two classes. Ordinary (or sub- 
scribing) and Corresponding , the latter being “ Honorary,” 
