Royal Society of Canada

   Founded by the Marquis of Lorne (afterward Duke of Argyll) in 1881, during his governorship in Canada. The first meeting was held in Ottawa, in May, 1882. The society is divided into four sections: French literature, history, etc.; English literature, history, etc.; mathematical, chemical, and physical sciences; and geological and biological sciences. Each section is limited to twenty members. The original members were nominated by the Marquis of Lorne. Subsequent vacancies filled by election on the nomination of three members. The first president was (Sir) J. W. Dawson, and the vice-president Pierre J. O. Chauveau. The president of section 1 was (Sir) James M. Le Moine; of section 2 (Sir) Daniel Wilson; of section 3 T. Sterry Hunt; and of section 4 A. R. C. Selwyn. (Sir) J. G. Bourinot was the first secretary of the society. An account of its organization, with the list of original members, will be found in the first volume of Transactions, 1882-1883.

   Bib.: Proceedings and Transactions, 1st series, 1882-1894, 12 vols.; 2nd series, 1895-1906, 12 vols.; 3rd series, 1907, to date.