THE PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. 
211 
to do it. This Society offers to such persons a helping hand and a 
hearty welcome. It should be a focus of energy. Here the traveller 
in the paths of science should be cheered and encouraged and 
assisted ; here the student should be able to obtain information, 
which the want of renders his studies difficult and his acquirement 
of knowledge slow. The terms of membership are suited to every 
one ; and here let me say — for I think there is a disposition with 
some of our members, not less anxious, I am sure, than any of 
us for the welfare of the Institution, to forget it — that there are 
three classes — Members, Associates, and Junior Associates. Very 
wisely these have been kept quite distinct. The lecturing members 
are those upon whom falls the burden of carrying on the work of 
the Society. They are those who, interested in its progress, and 
expecting to, be permanent residents, at all events within the sphere 
of its operations, undertake certain responsibilities in connection 
with the Society. From them the Council is elected, and there is 
a set of laws for their guidance. One of these laws states that no 
candidate is eligible for election unless he will undertake, if elected, 
to abide by the rules, and give an annual lecture when called on so 
to do. That he is a person who will thus assist the Society and do 
his best to carry out the objects it has in view, is vouched for by 
the three members who must sign the recommendation that he be 
elected. The undertaking given by the candidate is a serious one, 
and by no means a mere formality. Everyone seeking to be a 
member and, signing it, is of course morally bound to fulfil the 
obligation entered into, and to observe the law, and lecture when 
requested. Were it otherwise, a Society constituted as this is could 
not go on. Associates are no less useful to the Society in another 
way, and are those who for various reasons are unwilling to enter into 
the obligation referred to, but who by their presence among us, by 
contributing their annual subscriptions, and by joining in the 
debates, give assistance unquestionably valuable, but without 
responsibility. The junior members, who in time will develope 
into senior ones and lecturers, we are always glad to see in this 
hall. The lecturing members will heartily welcome as their com- 
panion any one desirous and willing to assist in the work we have in 
hand. All that is asked of him is, that he will do his best to aid his 
fellow-members in their work in his turn ; that he will willingly and 
unhesitatingly take his place at the desk opposite, and communicate 
to others what knowledge he may be possessed of. 
