REPORT OF THE COUNCIL 
OF THE 
YORKSHIRE PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY. 
February 8th, 1904. 
The year 1903 has been an active and a prosperous one, 
and it is with feelings of satisfaction that the Council presents 
the usual annual report. 
The number of members of the Society has been more than 
sustained in spite of a long list of resignations. The question 
of resignations raises a point that deserves more than passing 
notice from the members. Your Council has, for some years 
past, noted with regret that many people have joined the 
Society simply for the advantages that their families have 
derived from the use of the gardens, and have withdrawn when 
for any reason such use could no longer be made. This Society, 
both from its past and present work, merits better treatment 
at the hands of the citizens of York, and your Council takes 
this opportunity of pleading for a higher view of membership. 
In joining an Institution like this, a member should be moved 
by feelings of public spirit rather than by those of personal 
gain. Your Council is well aware that some citizens have for 
years acted upon this principle, but their number is not nearly 
so great as it might be. 
The financial position of the Society, for the period under 
review, is good. The income for the year is T1291 17s. od., 
the expenditure Y1288 13s. id. This leaves a balance of £3 
3s. 1 id. to the good. The smallness of this balance is a 
matter of secondary importance to a Society which has not a 
dividend to declare. But all friends of the Institution will do 
well to bear in mind that an increased income means greater 
