MEMBERS are admitted to ALL Lectures delivered in the Institution, to the Libraries, and to the Weekly Evening Meetings; they have the right of voting at the Monthly Meetings; they may also introduce by ticket two Friends to each of the Weekly Evening Meetings so long as there is room, and their Families have the privilege of attending the Lectures at a Reduced Charge; and for every Additional Subscription of Twenty Guineas at one time, or Three Guineas per Annum, each Member is entitled to introduce personally, or by a written Order, one Visitor to each of the Public Lectures. ANNUAL SUBSCRIBERS to the Institution pay Five Guineas, and One Guinea as an Admission Fee. They are admitted to all the Courses of Lectures delivered in the Theatre of the Institution, to the Libraries, and to the Newspaper Rooms, but have not the privilege of attending the Evening Meetings. ADMISSION TO LECTURES. The WIVES of MEMBERS, and SONS and DAUGHTERS (under the age of Twenty-one) of MEMBERS, are admitted for the season to all Courses of Lectures, on the payment each of One Guinea, and to any separate Course on the payment each of Half-a-Guinea. SUBSCRIBERS TO LECTURES For all the Courses of Lectures (extending from Christmas to Midsummer) pay Two Guineas: For a Single Course pay One Guinea or Half-a-Guinea, according to the length of the Course. For the Christmas Course, Children under Sixteen years of age pay Half-a-Guinea. THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE VISITORS OF THE Royal Institution of Great Britain FOR THE YEAR 1876. 1. On considering the progress and position of the Institution, the Visitors think there is much cause for congratulation, Seventytwo new Members having been admitted in the past year, which appears to be the largest number ever known, except in the year 1870. 2. The Subscriptions to Lectures were considerably less than in 1875, when an extraordinary amount was received from that source, but they were sufficient to cover all the disbursements attendant upon the Lectures, and to leave a balance of Fifty-eight Pounds applicable to the general expenses. This result was partly owing to the liberality of the Honorary Secretary, WILLIAM SPOTTISWOODE, Esq., who declined to receive any payment for his successful Course of Lectures on Polarized Light, with brilliant illustrations, declaring himself sufficiently remunerated by the attention of his audience. 3. The total Income has increased by One Hundred and Eighty-three Pounds, this being principally owing to a larger number of Members than usual having paid compositions in lieu of future payments, which has enabled the Managers to make investments in the Three per Cent. Consols, amounting to £1396 8s. 1d., thereby increasing the invested funds to a larger amount than at any former period. It will be seen that the real and funded property of the Institution now amounts to Eighty-four Thousand Pounds, which, as arising entirely from the Contributions and Donations of the Members, is a result to be viewed with much satisfaction. 4. The Annual Expenses were larger than in the previous years, the item for repairs being increased by the amount incurred for necessary repairs and alterations. 5. The Annual Accounts of Income and Expenditure have been examined and compared with the Ledger and Vouchers, and with the Bankers' Pass-book, and are found to be correct; and the Visitors consider that the books are well kept, and the accounts stated in a clear and intelligible form. 6. The Library continues to increase in magnitude, nearly Four Hundred volumes having been added in the year, of which One Hundred and Sixty-four volumes were presented, for which the thanks of the Members are due to the various Donors. 7. They are also indebted to one of their most distinguished Members, WARREN DE LA RUE, Esq., D.C.L., F.R.S., for the present of a Thomson's Quadrant Electrometer, which will be of much assistance to the Professors in their Lectures and illustrations. 8. The Books purchased by the Managers are principally works of reference or of sterling and permanent value, in the selection of which they are assisted by the long experience and judgment of the Librarian. 9. The Discourses delivered at the Friday Evening Meetings continue to afford instruction and gratification to the Members and their friends, and by making the Institution known to a wider circle, they are a great means of promoting the introduction of new Members. 10. The Marble Statue of Michael Faraday, designed by the late eminent sculptor, J. H. Foley, R.A., in pursuance of the wishes of a large body of scientific admirers of the deceased Professor, has been placed for inspection in the Hall of the Institution, and is considered to be a faithful likeness by his Widow and personal friends, and as a work of genius by all. 11. In conclusion, the Visitors may say that they feel less difficulty in the performance of their duties from their assurance that for some years past the attention and ability shown by the Board of Managers have been a guarantee that the interest and prosperity of the Royal Institution have been steadily advanced and promoted. ARTHUR RIGG. THOS. BOYCOTT. WILLM. PINNEY. B. LEIGH SMITH. W. WATKISS LLOYD. B. WOODD SMITH. JOHN BELL SEDGWICK. JOHG C. BURGOYNE, Secretary. Contributions from Old Members and Subscribers :— 544 Members' Annual Contributions at Five Guineas, for 1876 A year's Dividend on £3333. 68. 8d. Consols, Fullerian Professorship of A year's Dividend on £3333. 68. 8d. Consols, Fullerian Professorship of A year's Dividend on £1940. 148. (Legacy of Alfred Davis, Esq.). A year's Dividend on £2970. 168. 7d. Fullerian Accumulating Fund, standing Balance brought from last year's Account. £ 1540 8 1 1278 8 5 8632 5 10 8187 211 |