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THE ESSEX NATURALIST.
nology except medicine, and a card index to subjects containing
nearly 2,000,000 references.
As regards museums and the way in which they contribute
to the advancement of the knowledge of science Sir Henry
Lyons naturally had a good deal to say well worthy of attention.
Very much has been done in recent years to extend the influence
of local museums and he specially called attention to the fact
that many are now taking up the representation of the technical
industries of their districts as illustrated by the display of the
scientific principles on which they are based. The growing
practice of arranging temporary exhibitions was also to be
commended. The public prefer to visit museums where there is
usually something new to be seen and in this matter the members
of local societies can greatly assist their curator by their sugges-
tions and by arousing the interest of those who can contribute
objects of special interest.
In concluding his address Sir Henry said that "the larger
"part that science is playing and must increasingly play in
"industrial progress, as well as that understanding of the
"relations between the advance of science and the life of the
"community . . . provides for scientific societies through-
"out the country a wide and fertile field of endeavour, and
"in this task they will find that both their museums and their
"public libraries will be able to render most valuable assistance,
"each in its own sphere."
The paper following the President's address was by Prof.
P. G. H. Boswell on "Town and country planning schemes in
"relation to sites of scientific importance." He stated that
arrangements had now been made under the Town and Country
Planning Act, 1932, by which the Ministry of Health notifies the
British Association of the areas in which planning schemes are
proposed. In order that the Association shall be able to make
representations when necessary to the Ministry it must rely
largely upon its Corresponding Societies for information as to
sites or objects—botanical, zoological, geological, birthplaces or
domiciles of scientific worthies and so forth—which may be
endangered. Local societies should therefore make themselves
acquainted with the planning schemes in their districts and
make recommendations to the British Association. Before
schemes can be put into effect they must have the consent of the