The Fifty-Ninth Meeting of German Naturalists and Physicians, Berlin, September 18–27

Abstract

[FROM OUR BERLIN CORRESPONDENT] THE present has in every respect been the most important of these annual meetings. Even in the number of visitors it far exceeds any similar reunion since the foundation of the Society, as many as 2224 members, and 1931 associates, or 4155 altogether, having entered their names, while no less than 1496 ladies took part in the general proceedings and social gatherings. It may here be remarked that the constitution of the German Naturalists' Society differs essentially from that of the British Association, as it exists only so long as the meeting lasts, and consists of members—that is, of persons who have published treatises, other than dissertations for academical honours, on general scientific and medical subjects—and of ordinary associates. Two or three sittings are devoted to the formal proceedings, such especially as the choice of the following year's place of meeting, and of the two leaders, whose duty it is to summon the next assembly, and arrange the work on hand. The general sittings are occupied with matter of universal interest, and are attended in common by all members, associates, and ladies. The more strictly scientific work, however, is distributed amongst the several Sections, thirty on this occasion, each of which is presided over by a freshly elected chairman, and set apart for the discussion of papers by specialists. After the last general sitting, at which the annual meeting is officially dissolved, it ceases for the time being to exist. Enjoying no special source of income, and keeping no permanent records, it possesses in the officers appointed to arrange for the next gathering the only germ of a new and equally ephemeral existence. To this temporary organisation corresponds the manner in which its proceedings are issued. An official journal, published only while the gatherings are held, contains the proceedings of the general sittings in extenso, those of the various Sections in shorter or more detailed reports. It may here be mentioned that, at the suggestion of the administration, a Commission was on this occasion appointed for the purpose of reporting to next year's meeting any proposals for a modification of the statutes. Reference was made more especially to such a change as would confer on the German Naturalists' Society a more stable existence; in fact, an organisation somewhat similar to that of the British Association.