PREFACE.

LIDDON, D.D.; Major CLAUDE REIGNIER CONDER, R.E.; Mr. Le PAGE RENOUF; the Rev. Dr. EDERSHEIM, and others. The Right Hon. Sir CHARLES MURRAY, K.C.B., contributes a brief note "On Flint Arrowheads of Delicate Structure." Mr. JOSEPH JOHN MURPHY, a paper on "A Physical Theory of Moral Freedom," to which Sir JOSEPH FAYRER, K.C.S.I., F.R.S., the Hon. J. M. GREGORY, LL.D., (of Washington), and others have added remarks. The Rev. Professor G. E. Post, M.D., a unique and valuable treatise on "The Botanical Geography of Syria and Palestine ";-the need of a work dealing with the whole botany of these Bible lands induced the Institute four years ago to ask Dr. Post to undertake to prepare it,-it is accompanied by the author's useful map; the comments of Dr. CHAPLIN and others acquainted with the botany of the East are appended. The President, Professor G. G. STOKES, P.R.S., an Address on "Science and Revelation," to which is added the remarks of Sir HENRY BARKLY, K.C.B., G.C.M.G., F.R.S.; Sir J. RISDON BENNETT, F.R.S.; Admiral Sir F. LEOPOLD MCCLINTOCK, R.N., F.R.S.; Mr. HORMUZD RASSAM, and others. The Rev. F. A. WALKER, D.D., F.L.S., a paper on "Oriental Entomology," to which Mr. W. F. KIRBY and many other Entomologists have added remarks, including Mr. E. B. POULTON, M.A., F.R.S., who contributes an abstract of all that he can find recorded upon the subject of mimicry. It should be added that Dr. D. G. BRINTON's paper in regard to "The Ancient Human Footprints in Nicaragua " appears in this volume; in it he deals with the contention of Dr. EARL FLINT, their discoverer, that such footprints place the first appearance of man as early as the Eocene period: Dr. EARL FLINT's reply and some further remarks are added in an appendix. This volume also includes a short notice of the late Professor ASA GRAY, one of the foremost among American men of science.

To all who have added to the value of the present volume, the best thanks of the Members and Associates are due.

During the past year the Institute's work has advanced more

effectually and decidedly than in any year since its foundation; the steady support accorded both by Members and Associates has been of the utmost value, giving solidity to the Institute, strengthening its working, and causing many who might otherwise not have joined its ranks or aided in its work to do so. The remarkably few retirements have also shown how fully all have realised that cordial co-operation is of inestimable value to the Institute and its objects.

FRANCIS W. H. PETRIE, Capt.,

Hon. Sec. and Editor.

JOURNAL OF THE TRANSACTIONS

OF THE

VICTORIA INSTITUTE,

OR

PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING,

HELD AT THE HOUSE OF THE SOCIETY OF ARTS,

TUESDAY, 19TH JULY, 1887.

The President, Professor G. G. STOKES, M.A., D.C.L., P.R.S.,
IN THE CHAIR.

CAPTAIN FRANCIS PETRIE, Hon. Sec., read the following Report:

Progress of the Institute.

1. IN presenting the TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT, the Council is glad to be able to record that the progress of the Institute has been steady, although less marked than usual, by reason of those adverse influences which still affect every class and interest, not only at home but in several of the Colonies.

2. It is a source of no small gratification to find the undiminished interest taken in the Institute's welfare by the Members and Associates, as on them and their loyal support depends almost entirely the efficiency with which it carries out its objects.

3. An increased number of those in high walks of Science are being drawn into co-operation with the Institute, thus adding to the importance and solidity of its work.

4. It is satisfactory to note the continued progress of the "American Institute of Christian Philosophy," an independent Society, founded on the lines of the Victoria Institute, whose statement of objects was adopted by it. Its founders are still members of this Institute, and amongst the foremost to bear testimony to the value of our work. The following is the new list of the President and Council. as elected:

President.

Professor G. G. STOKES, M.A., D.C.L., P.R.S.

Vice-Presidents.

Sir H. BARKLY, K.C.B., G.C.M.G., F.R.S.

Sir J. RISDON BENNETT, M.D., F.R.S.
Sir JOSEPH FAYRER, K.C.S.I., F.R.S.

W. FORSYTH, Esq., Q.C., LL.D.

PHILIP HENRY GOSSE, Esq., F.R.S.
ALEXANDER MCARTHUR, Esq., M.P.
Rev. ROBINSON THORNTON, D.D.

Hon. Treasurer.-WM. NOWELL WEST, Esq.

Hon. Sec.-Capt. FRANCIS W. H. PETRIE, F.G.S., &c.
Hon. Auditors.—G. CRAWFURD HARRISON, Esq.; J. ALLEN, Esq.
Hon. For. Sec.-E. J. MORSHEAD, Esq., H.M.C.S.

Trustees.

Sir ROBERT N. FOWLER, Bart., M.P.; R. BAXTER, Esq.

5. A more complete library of reference is of much importance, and it is hoped that the support of the library fund may be made adequate to the necessary demands upon it.

6. The Council regrets to announce the decease of the following valued supporters of the Institute :—

The Rt. Hon. A. S. Ayrton, M.; Rev. W. R. Arrowsmith, M.; Rev. C. B. Bowles, A.; T. K. Callard, Esq., F.G.S., A., whose many valuable contributions to the Transactions have been of much service in the work of the Institute; R. R. Cheyne, Esq., F.R.C.S.E., F.M.; Rev. S. Duffield, M.A., A.; The Rt. Rev. Bishop Eden, D.D., C.; D. C. Fox, Esq., M.;