PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 
3 
than hitherto. With reference to the more regular and convenient supply of books 
from the library, the Committee contemplate making some further improvement, 
so that every facility of obtaining them may be afforded to the members. Among 
subjects, such as the “ Flax-plant,” u the Linen Manufacture,” and others of direct 
practical bearing on daily life around us, there is a wide field of profitable inquiry 
yet, so far as we are concerned, unexplored; and fully sensible of the important 
aid the friends and members from the country can render, everything that can be 
done has been thus attempted to engage their co-operation, and the Committee an¬ 
ticipate the result with hope and confidence. 
There is still cause of regret in the Society’s limited accommodation, owing to 
which the extension of the museum is seriously impeded. This is to be deplored 
from the importance of this appendage to an Institute like ours, but especially 
from the fact, that many members are prepared to present to the Society interesting 
specimens in geology, natural history, and antiquities ; and from the want of pro¬ 
per accommodation, the Society is not in a position to avail itself of the kind offer. 
However, during the past year, some difficulties that threatened the well-being of 
the Society have been overcome, and a very large amount of prosperity has been 
enjoyed ; and with a cheerful and hopeful spirit would we anticipate the removal of 
this and every other obstacle that lies in the way of future usefulness and efficiency. 
The museum is specially desirable as a means of interesting those who, from many 
circumstances, might not be able to watch the progress of the Society for any length 
of time, but to whom a collection, such as is easily attainable by us, would present 
tangible and distinct evidence of progress and position. 
Having thus given a view of what is being done, the Committee would bespeak 
not only an increased but extended interest in behalf of this Society. It is true 
that the defence of the liberties of Europe has imperatively demanded the best and 
bravest of Britain’s sons; and it is true that all men look with thrilling interest to 
the issues of the strife; but, if knowledge be power—and we know it is—there is all 
•the more reason why we should seek the peaceful triumphs of knowledge. Who knows 
not that extending scienco has diminished to an amazing extent the loss of human 
life in actual war ? Enlightenment at home must ever strengthen our power abroad. 
And who can tell what impulses may be communicated to minds even by efforts 
such as ours? Edward Gibbon beguiled the hours of his sickly youth with such 
books of history as came in his way, till the foundation was laid on which rested 
his great work, “ The Decline and Fall of the Homan Empire.” Clarkson wrote 
a prize essay in Cambridge on the subject of Slavery. His energetic mind was 
aroused in the process of preparation, and he asked himself, at last, u must not 
some one begin the attempt? Might not I?” And the answer to the question was 
seen in the mighty movement at the close of which Britain laid twenty millions of 
money on the altar of freedom! And who can tell what intellects among us, yet to 
be powerful for good, may be now receiving into their virgin soil the seed of actions 
of which history shall, in future days, take Charge ? And if not—if no future Arago, 
or Owen, should be among us—yet the aggregate of human happiness shall not be 
unincreased. In pursuits like ours there is a present reward. As the coral insect 
continues to build, without knowing the beautiful isle of which it is laying the 
foundation, so let us labour, and One there is who will evolve the proper issues. 
Extraordinary activity now marks the human mind in the pursuit of the true, 
the beautiful, and the useful. Though the caloric ship has not crossed the Atlantic, 
the north-west passage has been discovered. This very activity, however, needs to 
be guided, directed aright, and controlled. The circumstance of being in an associ¬ 
ation where the mature experience of some may temper and direct the ardour of 
others, is favourable to useful exertion ; and with motives to effort so powerful, and 
encouragements so abounding, the fault must be our own if we reap not both plea¬ 
sure and profit. 
T. R ROBINSON, Chairman. 
B. P. DAYIDSON, Secretary. 
The Librarian, also, read the fullowing report:— 
LIBRARY. 
Mr. President and Gentlemen —In presenting you with a report of the 
library and reading department of our Society, I regret I cannot lay before you a 
