History of the Societies in our Union.
I.
The Dudley and Midland Geological and Scientific Society and Field Club.
The Society under its present name was established in 1862, but for twenty years previously a somewhat similar one, called the Dudley and Midland Geological Society, hed been in existence,
When the Society took its present form Geological investigation was receiving much attention all over the country, and it was natural that its practical application should be recognised us of the greatest importance to a district, so geologically interesting and mineralogically important as the South Staffordshire. Upwards of 500 members were soon drawn together, many of whom received at the early meetings those first impressions of the Sciences, and the impetus to enter on their study with earnestness, which has since yielded valuable results to themselves and others. Mr. John Jones—afterwards of Middlesborough—was the first Honorary Secretary, and rendered the Society most important help.
In 1865 the British Association visited Birmingham, and the Dudley Society, by their valuable aid, greatly added to the interest of the meeting,
In 1866 there was a notable Exhibition at Dudley, which afforded great pleasure and varied instruction to large numbers of visitors. The Earl of Dudley lent his pictures by old masters, and there were good and carefully selected collections of specimens of local arts and manufactures. A handsome profit remained, after the payment of expenses, which was devoted to the purchase of Fossils for the Museum. During this period, the members of the Society occupied much time in conducting the scientific Clubs, attracted by the Exhibition to Dudley, to the many places of geological interest in the neighbourhood, and were so much engaged in this way that little time was left for the ordinary work of reading papers and discussion.
In 1867, a Mine Agents' Association, which afterwards became the South Staffordshire and East Worcestershire Institute of Mining Engineers, originated out of the desire of many of the members of this Society to have frequent opportunities of visiting collieries and works, and to see the practical application of scientific knowledge. Similarly, in 1869, a somewhat kindred organisation grew into existence at Wolverhampton—the South Midland Institute of Civil, Mining, and Mechanical Engineers. Between both these bodies and the older Society, out of which they may be said to have grown, the most friendly feeling has always existed.
A brief but interesting record of the proceedings of the Society is published annually. Two volumes and four parts of the third volume, 1862-1876, have at present been issued, and others are sure to follow. The Society possesses a Museum very rich in fossils and other Geological specimens, and a good library of scientific books.
During the summer months numerous Field Meetings are held, and increasing interest is manifested in them. They are arranged so as to embrace not only places of Geological interest, but also ruins, interesting churches, and other buildings, places of historical celebrity or natural beauty; and also afford opportunities for the collection of botanical, entomological, and microscopical specimens. Occasionally during the
