Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Soc: Rosicr: In Anglia. Yorkshire College. " On Elemental Matter."
and the brilliant researches of Sir Humphrey Davy , in the early part of the present century , on the dissociation of matters till then regarded as elements , advanced the science in an immeasurable degree . From Davy ' s time- np to twenty years ago but few bodies wero added to the list of elements , when the discovery of spectrum analysis added five to the list , a sixth was discovered by other moans
last year , making the number sixty-five at prosent . By means of tho spectroscope we are enabled to ascertain what elements aro burning in tho sun , the stars , and the nebulro . We are also able to extend our researches outside our own globe by examination of the meteorites which have fallen on the earth from time to time . It is a remarkable fact , that in no case has any
element yet been even suspected to exist , which we do not find in our own planet . Now , there is implanted in tho mind of man a desire to systematize or classify all facts with whic > he becomes acquainted . This is the origin of scientific method , it is the scientific faculty . When we hit upon a new fact or idea , we immediately proceed to classify it , by
connecting it with somo other facts or ideas already in our possession . If , howevor , the new fact or idea is incapable of such classification , we regard it as anomalons , or wait for some connecting link to turn np . This is the instinct which leads ns to classify individnals into families , families into nations , and nations into races . Now the old exploded theory , which held all mattortobe one ,
seems to mo to have gratified this yearning for unity . But our modern theory , and our formidable list of sixty . five elements , seem to me a misfortnne ; and the trouble is , that like an increasing family , it gets worse year by year . And further , in nearly all other such cases we have been able to gratify our desires for unity . For instance , in the case of the physical forces , their oneness has long
been conclusively proved ; and not only their unity but their perfect correlation and transmntability . This fact , added to the recent discovery of tho oneness , and transmntability of tho three states of matter , viz ., solid , liquid , and gaseous—proving that under certain circumstances all matter may be made to assume the solid stateseem to me very strong arguments that our sixty-five elements may
some day be cut down to very few , if not to ono . Added to this , we find that of the sixty-five , only eighteen or twenty are , so far as we know , of any utility in tho economy of Nature . We find four of them in the air , thirty in the sea , all sixty-five in the solid mass of the globe , and some thirty of them have been found , or their probable existenco has been demonstrated in tho sun , stars , comets , and nebulae .
The examination of each has been so strict and exacting , that there are few gronnds for doubting the elemental functions of each one , two of them indeed havo never beon seen , and many of them are only to bo fonnd in museums or laboratories . And every improvement in our methods of analysis usually brings new ones to light , but occasionally proves that one of tho old ones is a compound .
It seems therefore , somewhat bold to allow one ' s imagination such a flight as to think of the unify of matter under such adverse cirenmstancps . But it is perhaps only in a speculative society like this that one could venture on such ground , since here wo aro , fortunately , not bound by the hard matter-of-fact principles of experience and demonstrative proof , which prevail in other learned sociotios . 23 rd April 1878 , TEIOMAS BLAIR .
Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE .
MEETING AT SHEFFIELD .
THE Quarterly Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge was held in the Masonic Hall , on 24 th July . The Preliminary Lodge was opened by Bro . Dr . Thomas W . M ., of Wentworth Lodge . The Provincial Lodge was under the presidency of Sir H . Edwards , Bart ., who , in reply to the usual salutation , said : —Yon may well imagine I find it far from easy , in any corresponding language , to express my deep and gratefnl sense of the kind and hearty salutation with
which , for the third time , yon have greeted mo in Sheffield . I thank you , Officers and Brethren of the Province of West Yorkshire , for this cordial welcome to Provincial Grand Lodge . It affords me the liveliest satisfaction personally to be again invited to preside at these quarterly gatherings . Provincial Grand Lodge has always been received with open arms by tho Sheffield and Rotherham Lodges , and
ourobligations are due to the W . M ., Officers and Brethren of the Wentworth Lodge , under whose banner we are now marshalled , for the excellence of their arrangements for tho snmmer meeting of the Craft . The Wentworth Lodge is , I believe , an offspring of Britannia , and was consecrated on the 7 th December 1868 , by our lamented Past D . Prov . G . M . Bro . Bentley Shaw . It has , year by year , gone
on steadily increasing its numbers , until it has now 7 G members on its roll . The brethren of this Lodge have most creditably exerted themselves . During the past three years they have secured a Life Governorship in each of the Masonic Charities . ( Applause . ) So much interest has been taken in the Sheffield Masonic Hall that all the present available capital of the Wentworth
Lodge has been appropriated towards the cost of this handsome edifice Moreover , many of its members have become R . A . Masons . Brethren , I have accepted , what I consider virtually a command from H . R . H , the Prince of Wales , tho office of Prov . Grand Supt . of R . A . Masons for West Yorkshire , rendered vacent by the death of Comp . Bentley
Shaw , and I hope to have the honour of meeting the Companions of this Province in R . A . Chapter assembled in this Hall some timo during the months of October or November . I am glad to be informed that , despite the general depression Of trade , on looking over our charity contributions , this lassitude in commercial matters has not had
Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.
a corresponding depression in your voluntary contributions to tho Masonic institutions . This Province , through the energy of its Charity Committee , ha 3 still been able to maintain , at tho April election of candidates , its old successful prestige . I commend to tho consideration of the Lodges the circular of the Charity Committee to raise the sum of £ 1 , 050 for a
presentation in perpetuity to tho Royal Masonic Institntion for Girls , and to be called the " Bentley Shaw Presentation . " I have headed this subscription with a donation of £ 50 . You aro aware this Committee has carried out the munificent project of my Dopnty Bro . Tew , and that tho West Yorkshire chair is endowed for the annnitants ' fund with 40 votes , and for the Gills' School with 25 votes ,
in lieu of tho votes lost by the death of Bro . Shaw . My Deputy informs mo he will bo shortly called upon to establish another Lodgo in Sheffield , which is to bo presided over by that veteran P . M . Bro . Hay , and that two other Past Masters from each of tho other two Lodges have been invited to become Hon . Past Masters of this 4 th Lodgo in Sheffield . This is presumptive
evidence that perfect harmony prevails between tho several Lodges here , and which is further consolidated by the frequent interchanges of visits paid by the respective Lodges to one another . May the four Lodges maintain this old and beantiful spirit of the Craft by perpetuating this identical concord , the very bond of peace and brotherly love , in having identical bye-laws , identical
fees , find identical fellowship . I cannot pass on to another topio without alluding to the death of that lady , whose hespitality , at Stanton-in-Peak , tho brethren in Sheffield have frequently enjoyod ; and glad this Provincial Grand Lodge is not deprived of the presence of the Senior Grand Warden to-day . Thero is just another allusion I wish to make which mnst , I think , be gratifying to tho Freemasons of Wost
Yorkshire ; it is the creditable display which this Province makes iu tho Universal Exposition of tho French at Paris ; and that tho British exhibitors were the first in readiness to display their contributions on the day of opening , 1 st May . This circumstance must havo been gratifying to our Royal Grand Master the President of tho English Section . Perhaps that which most touched tho hearts of
the French people was to seo at their third Exhibition not onl y tho representatives of all that was eminent in art , science , industry , commerce , banking , diplomacy and politics present at its inauguration , and of all that tho human mind had produced that was best and illustrious , but also the scions of tho great royal races of the world . Of these illustrious personages none worked with greater
zeal , none made himself a moro universal favourite than our Royal Grand Master the Prince of Walos . ( Cheers . ) Within tho last few years an intellectual intercourse has grown up between France and England . The two countries have the same commercial aspirations , wo represent the same humanitarian principles which are our joint patrimony , and this Exhibition , in which England displays
to great advantage , must be productive of much good to both countries , and lead to the consolidation of a union of interests . This Exhibition , which tho French describe as the " feast of concord , " may it , I say , Brethren , be tho feast of labour and of peace , and pave the way for tho " kiss of peace" between the nations of the earth . I hope the era of amelioration by warfare has closed with
tho conclusions of tho labours of tho Congress at Berlin . I hope tho world , in our time at least , will see no more of those dreadful crusades which blaspheme the symbols of Freemasonry they have employed , and which work moro evil in a year than statesmen can remedy in a generation . Brethren , peace has been restored to tho south-east of Europe . This event will be joyfully greeted
as the starting point of a new era of development and revival of friendly relations and of trade . A new period of economical and intellectual resurrection will be inaugurated in the East , supported by all the mental and material resources of our time , so full of energotic enterprises . I trust we shall have no further need of Congresses savo those like this Universal Exposition of the arts and
sciences , extending commerce and universal Masonic concord . From my heart I wish that the West Riding , and this Sheffield portion of it , may very largely share in all the glory and in all the blessedness on which onr Masonic edifice is built , of brotherly love and harmony , and of a peaceful and improving era . It only remains for mo to repeat , Brethren , that you have again iu
Sheffield given your Provincial Grand Master and Provincial Grand Lodge a reception for which I am extremely grateful . ( Applause . ) The Depnty Prov . Grand Master , in returning thanks for the salutation to himself , took occasion to mention that he had received petitions in favour of the establishment of new Lodges in Sheffield
and Huddersfield , and he hoped the promoters would do the Registrar for tho time being the kindness and the favour of submitting a copy of their proposed bye-laws . This he asked in accordance with a custom which had been carefully observed prior to his own appointment to tho office ho had novv the honour of holding , and ho should not feel at liberty to depart from the custom , as the rule was
a very wholesomo one , and any neglect might tend to seriously hamper his successors in office . If this usual custom were followed , and tho promoters wonld be good enough to let tho Prov . Grand Secretary have the papers in due form , ho would take care that the petitions were pnt forward at once with his cordial recommendation , and would take tho very earliest opportunity of consecrating the new
Lodges when duly authorised . Tho D . P . G . M . also referred to the importance of each Lodge sending to the Prov . Grand Secretary the returns required by Grand Lodgo of tho number of subscribing members , up to the 30 th Juno 1878 , with the utmost promptitude . In conclusion , he referred to the proposed Memorial Presentation in memory of the late Bro .
Bentley Shaw , and said ho hoped that desirable movement would be furthered by what took place at that meeting . A resolution of some interest , adjourned from last meeting , was withdrawn , amid applanse . The next meeting was appointed for the 16 th October , at Halifax , under the banner of the Lodgo Probity .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Soc: Rosicr: In Anglia. Yorkshire College. " On Elemental Matter."
and the brilliant researches of Sir Humphrey Davy , in the early part of the present century , on the dissociation of matters till then regarded as elements , advanced the science in an immeasurable degree . From Davy ' s time- np to twenty years ago but few bodies wero added to the list of elements , when the discovery of spectrum analysis added five to the list , a sixth was discovered by other moans
last year , making the number sixty-five at prosent . By means of tho spectroscope we are enabled to ascertain what elements aro burning in tho sun , the stars , and the nebulro . We are also able to extend our researches outside our own globe by examination of the meteorites which have fallen on the earth from time to time . It is a remarkable fact , that in no case has any
element yet been even suspected to exist , which we do not find in our own planet . Now , there is implanted in tho mind of man a desire to systematize or classify all facts with whic > he becomes acquainted . This is the origin of scientific method , it is the scientific faculty . When we hit upon a new fact or idea , we immediately proceed to classify it , by
connecting it with somo other facts or ideas already in our possession . If , howevor , the new fact or idea is incapable of such classification , we regard it as anomalons , or wait for some connecting link to turn np . This is the instinct which leads ns to classify individnals into families , families into nations , and nations into races . Now the old exploded theory , which held all mattortobe one ,
seems to mo to have gratified this yearning for unity . But our modern theory , and our formidable list of sixty . five elements , seem to me a misfortnne ; and the trouble is , that like an increasing family , it gets worse year by year . And further , in nearly all other such cases we have been able to gratify our desires for unity . For instance , in the case of the physical forces , their oneness has long
been conclusively proved ; and not only their unity but their perfect correlation and transmntability . This fact , added to the recent discovery of tho oneness , and transmntability of tho three states of matter , viz ., solid , liquid , and gaseous—proving that under certain circumstances all matter may be made to assume the solid stateseem to me very strong arguments that our sixty-five elements may
some day be cut down to very few , if not to ono . Added to this , we find that of the sixty-five , only eighteen or twenty are , so far as we know , of any utility in tho economy of Nature . We find four of them in the air , thirty in the sea , all sixty-five in the solid mass of the globe , and some thirty of them have been found , or their probable existenco has been demonstrated in tho sun , stars , comets , and nebulae .
The examination of each has been so strict and exacting , that there are few gronnds for doubting the elemental functions of each one , two of them indeed havo never beon seen , and many of them are only to bo fonnd in museums or laboratories . And every improvement in our methods of analysis usually brings new ones to light , but occasionally proves that one of tho old ones is a compound .
It seems therefore , somewhat bold to allow one ' s imagination such a flight as to think of the unify of matter under such adverse cirenmstancps . But it is perhaps only in a speculative society like this that one could venture on such ground , since here wo aro , fortunately , not bound by the hard matter-of-fact principles of experience and demonstrative proof , which prevail in other learned sociotios . 23 rd April 1878 , TEIOMAS BLAIR .
Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE .
MEETING AT SHEFFIELD .
THE Quarterly Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge was held in the Masonic Hall , on 24 th July . The Preliminary Lodge was opened by Bro . Dr . Thomas W . M ., of Wentworth Lodge . The Provincial Lodge was under the presidency of Sir H . Edwards , Bart ., who , in reply to the usual salutation , said : —Yon may well imagine I find it far from easy , in any corresponding language , to express my deep and gratefnl sense of the kind and hearty salutation with
which , for the third time , yon have greeted mo in Sheffield . I thank you , Officers and Brethren of the Province of West Yorkshire , for this cordial welcome to Provincial Grand Lodge . It affords me the liveliest satisfaction personally to be again invited to preside at these quarterly gatherings . Provincial Grand Lodge has always been received with open arms by tho Sheffield and Rotherham Lodges , and
ourobligations are due to the W . M ., Officers and Brethren of the Wentworth Lodge , under whose banner we are now marshalled , for the excellence of their arrangements for tho snmmer meeting of the Craft . The Wentworth Lodge is , I believe , an offspring of Britannia , and was consecrated on the 7 th December 1868 , by our lamented Past D . Prov . G . M . Bro . Bentley Shaw . It has , year by year , gone
on steadily increasing its numbers , until it has now 7 G members on its roll . The brethren of this Lodge have most creditably exerted themselves . During the past three years they have secured a Life Governorship in each of the Masonic Charities . ( Applause . ) So much interest has been taken in the Sheffield Masonic Hall that all the present available capital of the Wentworth
Lodge has been appropriated towards the cost of this handsome edifice Moreover , many of its members have become R . A . Masons . Brethren , I have accepted , what I consider virtually a command from H . R . H , the Prince of Wales , tho office of Prov . Grand Supt . of R . A . Masons for West Yorkshire , rendered vacent by the death of Comp . Bentley
Shaw , and I hope to have the honour of meeting the Companions of this Province in R . A . Chapter assembled in this Hall some timo during the months of October or November . I am glad to be informed that , despite the general depression Of trade , on looking over our charity contributions , this lassitude in commercial matters has not had
Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.
a corresponding depression in your voluntary contributions to tho Masonic institutions . This Province , through the energy of its Charity Committee , ha 3 still been able to maintain , at tho April election of candidates , its old successful prestige . I commend to tho consideration of the Lodges the circular of the Charity Committee to raise the sum of £ 1 , 050 for a
presentation in perpetuity to tho Royal Masonic Institntion for Girls , and to be called the " Bentley Shaw Presentation . " I have headed this subscription with a donation of £ 50 . You aro aware this Committee has carried out the munificent project of my Dopnty Bro . Tew , and that tho West Yorkshire chair is endowed for the annnitants ' fund with 40 votes , and for the Gills' School with 25 votes ,
in lieu of tho votes lost by the death of Bro . Shaw . My Deputy informs mo he will bo shortly called upon to establish another Lodgo in Sheffield , which is to bo presided over by that veteran P . M . Bro . Hay , and that two other Past Masters from each of tho other two Lodges have been invited to become Hon . Past Masters of this 4 th Lodgo in Sheffield . This is presumptive
evidence that perfect harmony prevails between tho several Lodges here , and which is further consolidated by the frequent interchanges of visits paid by the respective Lodges to one another . May the four Lodges maintain this old and beantiful spirit of the Craft by perpetuating this identical concord , the very bond of peace and brotherly love , in having identical bye-laws , identical
fees , find identical fellowship . I cannot pass on to another topio without alluding to the death of that lady , whose hespitality , at Stanton-in-Peak , tho brethren in Sheffield have frequently enjoyod ; and glad this Provincial Grand Lodge is not deprived of the presence of the Senior Grand Warden to-day . Thero is just another allusion I wish to make which mnst , I think , be gratifying to tho Freemasons of Wost
Yorkshire ; it is the creditable display which this Province makes iu tho Universal Exposition of tho French at Paris ; and that tho British exhibitors were the first in readiness to display their contributions on the day of opening , 1 st May . This circumstance must havo been gratifying to our Royal Grand Master the President of tho English Section . Perhaps that which most touched tho hearts of
the French people was to seo at their third Exhibition not onl y tho representatives of all that was eminent in art , science , industry , commerce , banking , diplomacy and politics present at its inauguration , and of all that tho human mind had produced that was best and illustrious , but also the scions of tho great royal races of the world . Of these illustrious personages none worked with greater
zeal , none made himself a moro universal favourite than our Royal Grand Master the Prince of Walos . ( Cheers . ) Within tho last few years an intellectual intercourse has grown up between France and England . The two countries have the same commercial aspirations , wo represent the same humanitarian principles which are our joint patrimony , and this Exhibition , in which England displays
to great advantage , must be productive of much good to both countries , and lead to the consolidation of a union of interests . This Exhibition , which tho French describe as the " feast of concord , " may it , I say , Brethren , be tho feast of labour and of peace , and pave the way for tho " kiss of peace" between the nations of the earth . I hope the era of amelioration by warfare has closed with
tho conclusions of tho labours of tho Congress at Berlin . I hope tho world , in our time at least , will see no more of those dreadful crusades which blaspheme the symbols of Freemasonry they have employed , and which work moro evil in a year than statesmen can remedy in a generation . Brethren , peace has been restored to tho south-east of Europe . This event will be joyfully greeted
as the starting point of a new era of development and revival of friendly relations and of trade . A new period of economical and intellectual resurrection will be inaugurated in the East , supported by all the mental and material resources of our time , so full of energotic enterprises . I trust we shall have no further need of Congresses savo those like this Universal Exposition of the arts and
sciences , extending commerce and universal Masonic concord . From my heart I wish that the West Riding , and this Sheffield portion of it , may very largely share in all the glory and in all the blessedness on which onr Masonic edifice is built , of brotherly love and harmony , and of a peaceful and improving era . It only remains for mo to repeat , Brethren , that you have again iu
Sheffield given your Provincial Grand Master and Provincial Grand Lodge a reception for which I am extremely grateful . ( Applause . ) The Depnty Prov . Grand Master , in returning thanks for the salutation to himself , took occasion to mention that he had received petitions in favour of the establishment of new Lodges in Sheffield
and Huddersfield , and he hoped the promoters would do the Registrar for tho time being the kindness and the favour of submitting a copy of their proposed bye-laws . This he asked in accordance with a custom which had been carefully observed prior to his own appointment to tho office ho had novv the honour of holding , and ho should not feel at liberty to depart from the custom , as the rule was
a very wholesomo one , and any neglect might tend to seriously hamper his successors in office . If this usual custom were followed , and tho promoters wonld be good enough to let tho Prov . Grand Secretary have the papers in due form , ho would take care that the petitions were pnt forward at once with his cordial recommendation , and would take tho very earliest opportunity of consecrating the new
Lodges when duly authorised . Tho D . P . G . M . also referred to the importance of each Lodge sending to the Prov . Grand Secretary the returns required by Grand Lodgo of tho number of subscribing members , up to the 30 th Juno 1878 , with the utmost promptitude . In conclusion , he referred to the proposed Memorial Presentation in memory of the late Bro .
Bentley Shaw , and said ho hoped that desirable movement would be furthered by what took place at that meeting . A resolution of some interest , adjourned from last meeting , was withdrawn , amid applanse . The next meeting was appointed for the 16 th October , at Halifax , under the banner of the Lodgo Probity .