240 
Proceedings of the Pioyal Society 
who have resigned—leaving a balance at this date of 326; which 
is a larger number of ordinary Fellows than we have had since 
the institution of the Society. The number of our honorary 
members is the same as formerly, 36 foreigners, and 20 British— 
all men of known celebrity. 
Before referring more particularly to the individual members 
who, during the past year, have been taken from us by death, 
allow me to say that I think the giving of obituary sketches of 
deceased associates is a practice highly becoming. It should 
be remembered that our Society is intended, not only to aid 
science and literature, but also to promote good fellowship among 
the votaries of both. One object of our association, is to en¬ 
courage and assist one another by sympathy, and interchange 
of views; for which purpose we not only listen to papers, and 
discuss these at our evening meetings, but also hold personal 
intercourse in our library and reading-room. When, therefore, 
any of our comrades are removed from our midst by death, it is but 
fitting we should offer a parting tribute of regret at the dissolution 
of our connection, and endeavour to fix some traces of our departed 
associates in our memory, by recounting the part they have taken 
in helping to carry on the business of the Society, by recording 
any services rendered to the country, and by noting the leading 
events of their lives. 
Whilst we have reason to be thankful that, during the past 
year, the number of deceased associates is small—smaller, when 
regard is had to the total number of members, than in any 
former year, that circumstance is more than counterbalanced by 
the worth and preciousness of the lives whose loss we deplore. 
The following are the names of deceased Fellows, of each of 
whom I proceed to give a short obituary notice:— 
Adam Hunter. 
Edward Francis Maitland. 
Robert Nasmyth. 
James Young Simpson. 
James Syme. 
Adam Hunter was born at Greenock on 20th June, 1791. He 
>btained his classical and mathematical education at Glasgow 
