PROCEEDINGS OF THE MEETING. 
35 
and of the national policy with all freedom, because I take free 
speech upon points in which the interests of science are deeply 
concerned, to be one of the principal purposes for which we 
are now assembled ; but I hope I have spoken also without 
any disposition to exaggerate the deficiencies which I have 
thought it right to notice, or to elevate a new institution by 
detracting from the merits of elder establishments. It only 
remains for me to lay before you the particulars of the plan by 
which we propose to accomplish the objects which I have 
stated ; the subordinate details would be most advantageously 
revised by a Committee, but the material principles on which 
it is framed are points to which I would request the attention 
of this Meeting. 
“ The material principles of the plan are included in the 
composition of the Association, in the constitution of its govern¬ 
ment, and in the selection of the worh on which it is to he em¬ 
ployed. 
“ Having objects in view more extensive, and at the same 
time more specific than those of the German Association, we 
do not recommend the adoption of the same rules. It is not 
our desire in the general composition of the Society to separate 
writers from readers, the professor of natural knowledge from 
the student. A public testimonial of reputable character and 
zeal for science is the only passport into our camp which we 
would require. We propose, therefore, that all Members of 
Philosophical Societies in the British empire shall be entitled 
to become Members of the Association, on enrolling their 
names, and engaging to pay such subscription as may be agreed 
upon, the amount of which subscription, we think, ought to be 
low ; and we propose that the members shall meet for one week 
in every year at different places in rotation; in order, by these 
migratory visits, to extend the sphere of the Association, to 
meet the convenience of distant districts in turn, and to ani¬ 
mate the spirit of philosophy in all the places through which 
the Meetings may move, without rendering them burthensome 
to any. 
“ But the governing or executive power of the Association, 
we think, should be vested in a more select, though still nu¬ 
merous body, and placed in the hands of those who appear to 
have been actually employed in working for science. We pro¬ 
pose, therefore, that the General Committee shall consist of 
all Members present at a Meeting who have contributed a 
paper to any Philosophical Society, which paper has been 
printed by its order or with its concurrence; taking this as the 
safest definition of the class of persons intended, but leaving 
c 2 
