The President, on opening the Session, stated that—

At the statutory meeting, held on 23rd November 1896, the President was appointed (with power to name a substitute) to represent the Society at the British Association Commission on a National Physical Laboratory.

At a meeting of Council on 7th May last, the President and Dr Murray were appointed members of the Consultation Committee in connection with the proposed Catalogue of Scientific Literature.

At a meeting on 21st May 1897, Dr Murray, Dr Traquair, and Mr Cadell of Grange were appointed to represent the Society at the International Russian Congress at St Petersburg, and Principal Talmage was subsequently added to the above-mentioned representatives.

Professor D'Arcy Thompson, a member of our Council, was reappointed a Commissioner to report on the aspects of the Seal Fishery in Behring's Straits, and on its international relations.