My duty this evening is to give the usual Introductory Address at the opening of a new Session, this which commences this evening being the Society's 108th.

Before doing so, however, I must try to disburden myself of a weight which has hung heavy upon me for the last few days, and consists in the difficulty, which I find to be insuperable, how to select adequate terms in which to express my sense of the honour which you have conferred upon me, in placing me in the position of your President. In my wildest dreams it never occurred to me that such an event was possible, till a short while ago when certain members of the Council hinted to me that such a step was in contemplation; and I can assure you that it was not without considerable hesitation that I acceded to the request that I should allow myself to be put in nomination.