named. It was an elaborately critical paper and the subject was greatly aided by specimens of flint hatchets, adzes or axes lent for the occasion by a pains-taking geologist and collector. The gist of the paper was to show that these flint instruments could not have become thus shaped by any other means than that of human agency, and that from their position in the geological drifts, they must have been fashioned at a period anterior to that which was assigned to the human race. Affirmative opinions were given by Dr. Hale, Dr. Moore, and Mr. Tate; whilst Mr. J. Rock, jun, Mr. Cole and the Rev. W. Tilson-Marsh thought judgement should be suspended till more evidence was acquired.
“The Plurality of Worlds” was the title of a paper read by T. Tate, Esq., F.R.A.S., on the 11th of April, to hear which there was a crowded audience. The object of the paper was to refute the arguments of a recent writer on the same subject. The reader of the paper showed by analogy of the primary condition of the earth, its shape as as oblate spheroid, by geological considerations and by the density and other conditions of our atmosphere, that the planets, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Neptune, all of which were similarly conditioned, were possessed of the physical requirements for sustaining life. It was also, the writer of the paper, thought to be absurd to suppose that those and innumerable other worlds were created without a purpose. There was afterwards a prolonged discussion, the general opinion being in favour of Mr. Tate’s views.
“The Origin of Arts and the Influence of Race over their Development” – a paper by Dr. Knox, was the subject for discussion at the May meeting, which was thinly attended , and the paper – a portion only of which was read by the President – appeared to meet with even less favor than Dr. Knox’s previous paper on Africa. Mr. Cole defended the Universities against an attack which Dr. Knox made upon them, whilst Dr. Hale and Dr. Moore entirely dissented from the views expressed an(sic) advocated in the paper.
The remainder of Dr. Knox’s paper on the “Origin of Arts”, &c. was read by T. H. Cole Esq., on the 13th of June, and was followed by a short but not very animated discussion.
The Annual General Meeting was held on the 24th of October, when the report showed continued success of the society, in an increase of 9 members, making the number 42, and a balance of £12 9s. 3d in hand. The council recommended the session to terminate in May instead of June, and to hold an additional meeting in the winter. The officers elected for the year were Jas. Rock, jun., presi-
