Dec., 1891 . BIRMINGHAM NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY. 
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January 22nd.—Miss Bvett read Chanters III. and IV., 
“ Social Growth” and “ Social Structures.” 
February 12th.—Mr. P. H. Levi gave an exposition of 
Chapters V. and VI., !< Social Functions” and “ Systems of 
Organs.” In conclusion, Mr. Levi made the following deduc¬ 
tions :—The present increasing tendency towards specialisa¬ 
tion results in man becoming day by day more dependent 
upon his fellows. Under these conditions the absence of a 
due amount of the altruistic sentiments is manifested in 
socialistic and anarchical views. That a system of politics 
founded upon a knowledge of the principles of Sociology 
alone will lead to a more rapid evolution of that which is 
best for society. That a great bar to an intelligent apprecia¬ 
tion of the lessons of Sociology is the belief in a special 
creation. 
February 26th.—Mr. Alfred Browett read (with notes) 
Chapters VII. and VIII., “The Sustaining System” and 
“The Distributing System.” In conclusion, instances were 
cited of the recent growth and elaboration of the distributing 
system, resulting from the greater specialisation and co-opera¬ 
tion of various and remote parts of the industrial system. 
March 12tli.—Mr. W. B. Grove, M.A., gave an exposition 
of Chapter IX., “ The Regulating System,” which was followed 
by an interesting discussion. 
April 9tli.—Mr. J. A. Hill, F.R.M.S., gave an exposition 
of Chapter X., “ Social Types and Constitutions.” In his 
summary, Mr. Hill drew attention to the present tendency of 
capital to consolidate into large companies with numerous 
shareholders, whereby the capital of the country becomes 
more and more spread over the community, while the control 
becomes more and more centralised, the tendency of this 
being, Mr. Hill considered, towards the socialistic ideal. 
April 23rd.—Mr. Edwin Hill gave an exposition of the 
concluding chapters of Part II., “Social Metamorphoses” 
and “ Qualifications and Summary.” Mr. Hill pointed out 
what he regarded as inconsistencies in individualistic teaching, 
especially in connection with the rearing and education of 
children, and to the growing difficulty as to the equitable 
adjustment of property held in land and capital. Mr. Hill 
saw little prospect of modern society progressing towards the 
Spencerian ideal, as he regarded the conditions which are 
modifying it unfavourable to such an evolution. 
May 28th. — Mr. H. H. Spears opened the study of 
Part III. of Mr, Herbert Spencer’s “ Principles of Sociology,” 
“ Domestic Institutions,” with an exposition of the first and 
second chapters. It was pointed out that the controversy 
