The Camden Society, of which this Society is the heir and representative, was founded in 1838, and it is only fitting that some record of its history and achievements should mark the present year. It would have been an appropriate task for the sole surviving member Dr. Hubert Hall, our director, who is not only a living link with the old Society, but has himself carried on its work and its traditions as the editor–in–chief of our Camden Series. It is at his instigation that I stand here this evening, and I must ask his indulgence and that of this Society for whatever sins of commission or omission I may be guilty of.