THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB. 
125 
attention of the members was drawn to this alteration—one of the minor 
inconveniences of the War. 
Death of Professor Meldola.—The President announced the lamented 
death of Professor R. Meldola, F.R.S.,D.Sc., EL.D., the first Presidentof the 
Club, and one of the Permanent Vice-Presidents. Mr. Warren referred 
to the eminent position held by Professor Meldola in the World of Science, 
and his great services to the Club since its formation in 1880. He was 
sure that the Members would greatly regret his death, and would wish to 
record their regret in a most emphatic way. 
Mr. W. Cole (who spoke with much emotion) said that the news of Prof. 
Meldola’s painfully-sudden death on- the 16th instant had occasioned 
in him the most poignant sorrow, and a deep sense of personal loss, which 
was shared with his brother, B. G. Cole, and the other Members of the 
family. They were the oldest living friends of Prof. Meldola, his death 
closing a friendship of very nearly 50 years. He first met Meldola (he 
said) in company with the late W. J. Argent, in a glade in the Woodford 
district of Epping Forest, whilst searching for insects. Shortly after, 
proposals for the establishment of the Essex Field Club were put forth and 
the scheme assumed definite shape. Professor (then Mr.) Meldola 
was chosen as the first President. The older members of the Club need 
no reminder of the energy, knowledge, and enthusiasm with which he 
guided the arduous work of the Club’s earlier years. His “ Inaugural 
Address ” will ever be looked upon as a model guide for those seeking to 
establish an amateur natural-history society. His subsequent work for 
the benefit of the Club can be largely traced in our publications and in the 
many movements in which he took part. His eminently-scientific and 
logical mind enabled him to impart a high tone to the discussions and 
business at the meetings of the Club—a character they have never 
lost. Mr. Cole added that it was not for him to speak of the great value 
of Prof. Meldola’s scientific and educational work, nor of his services to 
the nation : that would form no mean record in the mental progress of the 
last 40 years. As a distinguished member of the Club, his kindness and help¬ 
fulness in very many of our undertakings was most marked. His memory 
would long be cherished amongst us. Mr. Cole suggested that a letter 
should be sent to Mrs. Meldola, expressive of the Club’s deep sense of 
loss, and regret at the death of her distinguished husband, and deep sym¬ 
pathy with her in her affliction. 
Mr. Whitaker and Mr. Shenstone spoke most feelingly of the sad event, 
and emphas^ed the loss which British Science and the Club had suffered 
thereby. The Secretary was requested to write to this effect to Mrs. 
Meldola. 
In accordance with these directions, the Secretary afterwards' wrote 
as follows to Mrs. Meldola :— 
29th November 1915. 
“ Dear Mrs. Meldola, 
“ At the General Meeting of the Essex Field Club, held on Saturday 
last, I was requested to convey to you the very heartfelt regret of the 
Members at the death of Professor Meldola. Prof. Meldola had special 
claims on the regard of the members and officers of the Club, not only as 
having been the first President, but also because he was always most 
