The Western Isles Through the Mists of Ages

Abstract

INTRODUCTORY TWENTY-SEVEN years ago, when the British Association met for the second time in Dundee, Sir Edward Schäfer chose as the subject of his presidential address, “The Nature, Origin, and Maintenance of Life"; he discussed problems that will long continue to exercise the ingenuity and stimulate the imagination of biologists and chemists. A theme such as his is far beyond my reach. Seventy-two years ago, the Association met for the first time in this city. The Duke of Buccleuch occupied the presidential chair, and the opening words of his address are applicable to one who now finds himself in this privileged position. The Duke said: “No man has a title to state that he is unworthy of the post he is called on to fill, whatever may be his private feelings as to his fitness for the post. To state that he is unworthy to be there placed is not only a disparagement to himself, but is no great compliment to those who thought him worthy of being so placed”.