Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 71.djvu/453

Rh The French Society for Physics: formed 1873; entrance fee 10 francs; dues 20 francs, half as much for non-resident members.

The Society of Ancient French Texts: formed 1875; 350 members; entrance fee 10 francs; dues 25 francs.

The Zoological Society of France: formed 1876; 350 members; dues 20 francs.

Societies for the study of electricity, architecture, political and social science are filling an important place in the higher life of the city.

Observing the dates of the formation of these societies, one will perceive that nearly all of them came into existence during the nineteenth century, most of them in the first half of the century. By these dates one can trace with a good degree of accuracy the progress of science, and especially of that branch of science which each society represents. Other societies will of course be formed as the call for them arises. In many respects better work is done in these independent bodies than in the academies connected with the institute, which in part at least are under the control of the government, and in which membership is limited to those who have already won fame.