The seventy-third annual report [for 1846].

  • Royal Humane Society (London, England)
Date:
1847
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The seventy-third annual report [for 1846]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    30/138 (page 22)
    them being either white or yellow, and they generally grow in marshy places.”—Prestwick's Dissertation on Poisons, p. 204. These observations will, it is hoped, induce persons to be more cautious in permitting the use of plants whose properties are un¬ known to them, many fatal accidents having arisen therefrom. Anxious at all times to fulfil the objects of the Society, the Committee are happy if they can but add, in the smallest degree, to the knowledge promulgated for the prevention of accidents, or to the means necessary to avert fatal consequences when they do occur; and with this view they have been induced to publish a Caution for guarding against Accidents from the Effects of Lightning,” which they hope may serve to deter persons from resorting to the cover of trees during thunder-storms. A mo¬ ment’s reflection upon the laws which govern the operation of lightning must satisfy every one, even if examples were wanting, that great danger is incurred by such a practice : and it unfortu¬ nately happens that the tree which is the most capable of afford¬ ing protection against the rain is the one most likely to be struck by lightning, inasmuch as it is generally the tallest among its companions. In the Obituary of last year the Committee have to notice, with the deepest regret, the demise of one of their late colleagues, Th OMAs Pritchard, Esq., a gentleman who had always evinced the most lively interest in the welfare of this Society, and who for upwards of forty years was one of its Auditors, and a member of the Committee. The loss of valued friends and supporters will, it is hoped, stimulate others to whom Providence grants a longer existence to exert themselves to supply their places by becoming Subscribers. As Christians, our duty to society and to ourselves calls upon us, each in our station, to assist by all the means in our power the humane objects of this Institution.