New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1885-09-09
TIE RRLTLSH ASSOCIATIOM.

The British Association reassembies to-day
nm its native heath after last years novel ex-
perience in hospitabe Montreal. The scene of
its labors is the old Scotch University town of
Aberdeen. where in 1859 most successful
session was held under the presidency of the
Prince Consort. The population OF the city has
doubled in the interval of twenty-six years,
and the reputation of its ancient seat of learn
ing and its medical school has steadily in-
creased The return of the Association will en-
able the Queen to revive pleasant memories OF
the former meeting, in which the Prince Con-
sort took prominent part, by inviting repre-
sentati SO delegation to Balmoral. The people
If Aberdeen have planned number OF ex
cursions for the entertainment OF their guests
and there is to be- lavish display OF Scotch
hospitality 1t is not probable, however. that
the local authorities can suTpass the people OF
Montreal either in providing an attractive pro-
eramme of recreation or in atiordug accommo-
datlons and facilities for the various sectional
meetings. Sir William Thompson remarked
last year that the Association had never before
been made SO thoroughly comfortable, the halls
and assembly rooms being large and we'll
ventilated and at the same time favorable for
public speaking. Aberdeen has, however,
handsome music hall where the general meet
in.,s are to be held. and it lies in district rich
in historical associations and CT rare picturesque
beauty. The visitors can scarcely tail 10 enjoy
their annual holiday OF work and pleasure,
albeit the cXhilarating excitement OF last years
meeting will be lacking.
The programme of tho session discoses many
of the names which were prominent in last
years proceedings. The presidents OF sections
are less distinguished than their predecessors, a
great effort having been made on the occasion
of the Montreal visit to bring forward the
strongest men. The president of the associa-
ton, Sir Lyon Playfair, being equally prom-
nent in laboratory Investigations and public
life, will be certain to deliver an address OF eI-
ceptional interest and practical value. Nc.
Francis Gallon. "a president OF the Anthrop-
oiOgy Section, may also be depended upon 10
impart both originality and animation TO the
work of his department. The best feature OF
last years meeting was tho discussion OF special
scientific topics by the strongest men in the
sections. The usual practice has been 10 have
the individual papers briefly debated and rs
the subjects selected were generally of minor
importance, there was scant opportunity for tue
interchange of views on leading questions
The interesting debates arranged at Montreal,
especially in Physical Science and Chemistry.
on subjects OF real importance, have taught the
Section officers the wisdom OF taking more
pains with the programmes and OF making
provision for he discussion of fresh scientific
questions This ia feature which the Ameri-
can Association is too apt to neglect. The
value of scientific assemblies can be greatly
enhanced if the sections organized in ad-
vance for effective work and debate and less
time is FILTERED away in the reading OF papers
possessing little significance.