Papers relating to the OXFORD UNIVERSITY ANTHROPOLOGICAL SOCIETY (founded 1909)
- six boxes of material, relating to the history of the Oxford University Anthropological Society
- the material includes correspondence, registers, notebooks, cash-books, loose notes, typescripts and miscellaneous ephemera
- the papers have not yet been catalogued in detail
The following transcription was made by Alison Petch during the ESRC funded 'Other Within' research project and is a (partial) transcription of the minute book of the Oxford University Anthropological Society now held as part of the Pitt Rivers Museum manuscript collections (see above). The pages of the minute book were not numbered when transcribed and no attempt was made to allocate numbers so the following extracts are sequential from the first page. Notes in square brackets have been added by the transcriber.
Oxford University Anthropological Society Minute Book for Committee
'The first Committee meeting was held subsequently to the general meeting in the Old Bursary, Exeter College, on Thursday, January 28th, 1909. The Vice President, Mr Balfour, and Mr Bell [A. Montgomerie Bell] promised papers for discussion for the term and Mr R.R. Marett undertook to communicate with Mr Browne [?A.R. Radcliffe Browne?] with a view to getting him to contribute a paper on the Andaman Islanders.
The Vice President also undertook to bring the question of the rooms at the Museum for meetings before the Delegates of the Museum on Saturday subsequent (January 30th).
... The following were enrolled as members of Field sections:-
Messrs Bell, Casson, [Diamond] Jenness, Mann, Chandler, Hoseley [?]. Crawford, the Secretary.
The order of papers was then agreed on:-
The Vice President February 5th
Mr A.M. Bell February 19th
Mr Browne March 5th
The Secretary undertook to arrange dates with the Secretary of the O.U. Junior Scientific Society.'
[The above is the full contents of page 1, with one small inconclusive sub-section, to give a flavour of the general contents]
Meeting on Monday February 15th 1909
... 'The Committee also considered the advisability of acting on Dr Browne suggestion that they should take into question the fact of the Rolleston Collection. It was at length decided that the Acting President should interview Dr Bourne with a view to arranging a possible examination in detail of the collection by certain of the society. It was suggested that the assistance of those members of the Committee for Anthropology properly qualified might be adopted.'
... 'The question of the appropriation of certain of the Society's funds for defraying the expenses entailed in field work by certain members was discussed. But it was eventually decided to leave the matter over for the present.
The Secretary was also instructed to place the question of the housing of finds by the Field Section before the latter.
The following is the body of Rules adopted by the Committee:-
(1) The Society shall be called the Oxford University Anthropological Society.
(2) The Objects of the Society shall be to promote an interest in Anthropology in all its branches - i by lectures and the reading of papers, ii by exhibition of specimens, iii by Field work conducted with a view more especially to increasing our knowledge of the Archaeology, Ethnology and Folk Lore of the neighbourhood and recording new facts.
(3) Membership shall be limited to persons possessing a University qualification, and other persons may be admitted as Associates. Application for membership to be made to the Secretary. The list of new members shall be announced at the evening meetings.
(4) The Officers of the Society shall be an Honorary President, and President, and Vice President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. The Committee of Management shall consist of the Officers and 4 other members and shall be empowered to co-opt no more than two other members.
The officers shall be elected annually at the last meeting of the Summer Term. A list of those names suggested by the Committee shall be circulated with the notices of that meeting. ...
(5) The Annual Subscription will be two shillings and six pence and shall be due on election and upon the first day of every succeeding October term, until notice of Resignation has been received by the Secretary. ... A payment of one guinea (£1.1.0) in a single sum shall constitute Life Membership.
(6) The Committee shall have power to manage the affairs of the Society and to administer its funds but matters of especial importance shall be dealt with by a general meeting ...'
Meeting March 11 1909
List of those present includes Balfour and Francis Knowles
'The Committee discussed the question of a programme for the next term. The following list of papers was suggested:-
Mr P. Manning - On the folk lore of Oxfordshire
Mr R Shelford - On the Decorative art of Borneo
Mr A.R. [sic] on Burmah
Mr Marett suggested (by letter)
Dr Rivers on the Solomon Islands
Mr Seligman on the Veddahs
The Secretary gave notice of the following promises:- Prof Sollas - on the Quaternary remains from la Chapelle-aux-Saints
For the field section:- Dr F Corner on the Quaternary
Dr Jenkinson on the Comparative Embryology of Man and other Primates
After discussion the following were chosen:- Dr Rivers, Prof Sollas, Mr Seligman'
... 'The Secretary was directed to apply to Mr P. Manning with a view to arranging a Folk Lore Section
The Secretary was also instructed to send round a notice of such a section and of the need for members interested in the Bronze Age to announce themselves.
The question of a fund for the Field Section was also debated. But it was concluded that beyond the Museum Funds and a private collection, nothing could be entertained in this direction as yet. The former question was left over for the next term.
The acting President [Balfour] raised the question of Affiliation with the Anthropological Institute. As the matter then stood the terms offered by the latter were such as rendered affiliation prohibitive to the Society. The acting President promised to draft a fresh proposal for the Institute's consideration.
1.6.1909
... Affiliation Upon the Treasurer producing a satisfactory statement it was decided to affiliate with the Anthropological Institute on the terms offered (see notice). ... the affiliation to start from November 1st 1909 ...
17.2.1910
... 'The proposed affiliation with the London Folk-Lore Society was also mentioned ... [nothing further said about this at the meeting]
5.12.1917
'Miss Freire-Marreco suggested that some of the balance at the bank might perhaps be used for field work in connection with investigation of the Portugese [sic] who are now being employed in the neighbourhood for field labour work.
It was decided that this question should stand over till the following meeting, and meanwhile Miss Freire-Marreco was asked if she would draw up a scheme for such work, to be presented at the next Committee meeting.'
15.2.1918
'With regard to the investigation of the Portugese proposed by Miss Freire-Marreco at the last meeting she stated that about 100 Portugese only were being kept and their sojourn here was uncertain. Miss Freire-Marreco was asked, however, to make further enquiries.'
'The President [Balfour] then proposed that there should be a joint meeting of the Lady Margaret Hall Folklore Club and the O.U. Anthropological Society. It was arranged that the President of the Folklore Club, Miss Czaplicka, should be approached on the subject. [it is clear that at that meeting a paper on Romanian peasant customs and beliefs by Mrs Murgoci was read, with some 'peasant' dancing']
2.12.1918
'The Secretary suggested that the meetings of the Society might be published in the University magazine. This was agreed to. ...'
7.6.1920
... 'The Secretary [Winifred Blackman] drew the attention of the committee to a letter she had received from Mr Buxton connected with anthropological work in connection with the Cotswold Players. It was decided that Mr Buxton should be asked to make a statement of the work he proposed at the following meeting of the Society.'
27.11.1922
... 'A communication was read from Mr Fallaize of the Royal Anthropological Institute (received through Miss Blackwood) asking whether the Anthropological Society as an affiliated society would send some account of its activities periodically to the Institute, and perhaps lists of new members. It was agreed to send a notice of the meetings of the Institute each term, and to offer to draw the attention of members to notice of meetings etc if desired.'
13.2.1933
'A grant of 2£ towards the expenses of the Folklore Group was approved.'
27.2.1936? [year not certain]
'The question of developing the research side was discussed and the fact minuted for possible more serious consideration in the future. In this connection the Oxfordshire Folk Lore Society was mentioned and it was decided to ask the president Miss Violet Mason [?may be Alford] to be a member of this Committee.'
[Balfour died 9 February 1939. The Committee makes several references over the years to sending flowers to Czaplicka's funeral, Marett's memorial lecture, even sending commiserations about Dudley Buxton but there is no mention of Balfour's [their first president] death at meetings on 7.3.1939 or 14.6.1939 meetings which seems strange to me - especially as the 7.3.1939 one is the one they all start commiserating about Dudley Buxton!]
18.2.1948
'Miss Blackwood and Mr Penniman suggested that the Society might like to help to provide a properly recorded and tended grave for Makareti the Maori chieftainesss, buried at Oddington. They undertook to inform the Committee at a later date, of the cost of this.'
19.5.1948
'The question of a contribution from the Society towards providing a proper grave-stone for Makareti - the Maori chieftainess - was raised. Miss Blackwood had kindly investigated the question of cost and a suitable stone. It was decided that it might be best, for the present, to defer action until the consent of any available surviving relatives could be obtained though it was generally agreed that some form of grave stone ought to be erected by a responsible authority.
[Discussed again on 27.10.1948 but deferred again]
9.2.1949
'The Committee received information about the Oxford and District Folklore Society.
It was agreed that the Oxford Architectural and Historical Society should be informed of the dates of our meetings to avoid a clashing of dates.'
Oxford University Anthropology Society Meeting book I
[Note: Again not page numbered, notes taken in sequential order, University Museum is default venue]
'Historical note
The idea of forming an Anthropological Society, which had been simmering in Oxford for many years, took definite shape during the Christmas Vacation of 1908-1909 in the minds of Dr. R.R. Marett M.A. and Dr. G.C. Robson of New College. Not only were their views independently conceived, but they were so far different that whereas Dr Marett's project was for a general Anthropological Society (upon the lines of the University Diploma for that Science), Dr Robson's more directly contemplated field work of an archaeological kind in the neighbourhood of Oxford along with the considerations of such problems as would therewith arise. However, having become aware of one another's designs through the common proselytizing of Mr. A. Montgomerie Bell, they decided to make common cause; and the programme of the New Society was circulated in the first week of Hilary Term, 1909; and the Society formally constituted at a meeting held in Exeter College Old Bursary on Thursday, January 28th 1909.
[Not sure who G.C. Robson might be, there is a naturalist / author called Guy Coburn Robson (1888 - ?) of around the right date, but no further information about him either. He did some publications on shells via the British Museum and other publications about evolutionary divergence. Also NB he doesnt get much mention, unlike Marett, in early days of OUAS management committee. AP]
28.1.1909
meeting 'for the determining of the precise constitution of the Society'
25-30 members present
Election of officials - Tylor proposed as President (proposed by Marett, seconded by A.M. Bell, Balfour elected as Acting Vice-President by Marett, seconded by E.S. Goodrich. G.C. Robson was suggested as Secretary, proposed by Marett seconded by A.M. Bell and F.A. Hampton proposed as Treasurer by Robson but refused and P.A. Methven proposed instead
Place of meeting - Balfour agreed to get authority from Delegates of the University Museum to hold meetings in the Museum lecture-rooms (and to ascertain question of expenses for lighting such rooms 'lantern also if used'.
Committee to meet first and last weeks of term.
Date of meetings - no less than two meetings per term, and that meetings should be held on alternate Fridays at 8.30. so as not to clash with the Junior Scientific Society.
Membership - After various amendments (listed) agreed that 'Membership of the Society shall be limited to persons possessing a University qualification; and other persons may be admitted as associates.
Affiliation - Marett gave notice of negotiations pending with the Anthropological Society [sic] re affiliation
Field Section - 'The Secretary introduced the question of a field section. After discussion it was left to him to act as secretary of such a section; to gather members and to arrange meetings of such a group. Dr Bell proposed and it was carried: 'that the Secretary should present a full report of the work of the field section at each general meeting.'
Subscription - 2s 6d per year, to start each October
Exhibits - 'It was determined that there should be a time set apart at each of the general meetings for exhibits; and that the work of the Field Section should be officially submitted.'
5.2.1909 [First meeting]
Held in New Lecture Theatre in the Dept of Comparative Anatomy (University Museum). Again about 25-30 members present [not listed]. Mainly about changes to rules of society. 'The Secretary proposed a system of grants to be made from the funds of the Society in view of expenses entailed by private members [blank space] Field work. The proposal was seconded by Mr A.M. Bell'. Balfour spoke about 'Archaeological work on the Zambesi.'
26.2.1909
About 30 members present. 'Mr A.R. Browne' [the e struck through] of Trinity Hall, Cambridge, delivered an address on the Andamanese entitled 'A Prehistoric Religion'. After the address Messrs Marett, Shelford, Dr Bassil and Sherwood and the Secretary asked questions.
5.3.1909
'A series of exhibits including Eolithic, Palaeolithic and Neolithic implements, Quaternary, Mammalian Remains, plans of sections etc were exhibited by the Field Section and by Mr A.M. Bell' 'The Secretary raised the question of a fund for the Field Section work. After some discussion it was decided that it was impossible to initiate any immediate action in this matter.' 'Mr Marett raised the question of the organization of a Section for Folk Lore Research.' A.M Bell read paper on 'The Neolithic Invasions of England'
30.4.1909
35 members present. 'Announcements were made by Mr Marett respecting the approaching May Day celebration,, and by the Secretary respecting the proposed excursion of the Field Section in conjunction with the Newbury Archaeologists.' Sollas read paper on 'the Neanderthal Race and its most recent representative.'
10.5.1909
Extraordinary meeting. W. McClintock read paper on 'the Blackfoot Indians of the Rocky Mountains.'
27.5.1909
30 members present. Proposed excursion to Vale of White Horse on 30.5.1909. C.G. Seligman read paper on the Veddahs
[NB most of these meetings end between 10.45 and 11.15pm]
4.6.1909
33 members present. W.H. Rivers, St Johns College, Cambridge read paper on "Melanesian Communism"
22.10.1909
29 members present. President [Marett] read paper on 'Mr Lang's theory of savage supreme beings.' 'A number of Bull-roarers were exhibited and practical illustrations of their use were given.' [doesn't say by whom]
3.11.1909
21 members present. T.C. Hodson read paper on 'Some Naga customs'
16.11.1909
26 members present. Mrs Routledge read paper on 'Custom and Myth of the A-Kikuyu'
30.11.1909
21 members present. Mr Halliday read paper on 'The Psychological Basis of [blank]' [sic!]
27.1.1910
About 40 members present. 'The President suggested that the Society should be affiliated to the London Folk-Lore Society.' Gilbert Murray read paper on the 'Anthropological Origins of Greek Drama'
8.2.1910
14 members present. R.W. Poulton (Balliol) gives lecture on 'Palaeolithic deposit in the NE of the Isle of Wight' with an exhibition of specimens
22.2.1910
25 members present. Dr Jenkinson read paper on 'the composite embryology of man and athropoids'
8.3.1910
30 members present. Mr Hartland FSA read paper on 'Folk-lore in Watter Ship's De Nugis' [sic - last 4 words could be wrongly transcribed!]
28.4.1910
E. Torday read paper on 'The History and Religion of the Bushongo'
10.5.1910
[held at Ashmolean, 'under the auspices of the Vice-Chancellor' with Prof Rhys acting as Pro-Vice-Chancellor][NB up to this point all meetings at same venue, this is first change] Introduced Professor Cartaillac who lectured on 'The Pre-historic Cave-dwellers of Southern France'
12.5.1910
Second part of same meeting, with same lecture, second half
18th meeting abandoned as speaker W. McClintock was ill
9.6.1910 at Exeter College Hall
Andrew Lang read paper on 'Minos and Minotaurs', new officers elected
27.10.1910
31 members present. 'The President announced that Dr Evans had offered to show the Society his private collection of antiquities.' President [Dr Farnell] read paper on 'Some Anthropological Fallacies'
3.11.1910
Balfour read paper on 'South African Problems'
17.11.1910 at Corpus Christi College
About 30 members present. Miss C.S. Burne read paper entitled 'The Unity of Folk-Lore'
1.12.1910 Jesus College
31 members present. W.N. Newton read paper on 'Figure Stones: are they freaks of nature or man-made?'
26.1.1911 at Ashmolean
32 members present. 'Mr Marett announced that an affiliation had been effected with the Folk-Lore Society which afforded facilities for membership and for the purchase of the Folk-lore Society's publications at priviledged [sic] rates. A vote of thanks was passed to the Folk-Lore Society.' Rev H. Morrey Jones reads paper on the 'Lengua Indians of the Para [blank] Chaco'
9.2.1911 Exeter College
'Reference was made to the forthcoming visit of the Society to Dr Arthur Evans' house at his kind invitation.' Mr H.G. Rose read paper on 'Evidence for Mother-Right in early Greece.'
24.2.1911
25 members present. Haddon read lecture 'The Decorative Art of New Guinea'
9.3.1911 New College
33 members present. J.L. Myres read paper on 'The Geographical Distribution of Man'
5.5.1911
20 members present. O.G.S. Crawford read paper on 'The Bronze Age in Britain' illustrated by lantern slide [as many were] maps and photographs
11.5.1911 Exeter College Hall
50 members and visitors present. New members proposed and elected. Everard im Thurn read paper on 'The Civilizing of a Savage'
25.5.1911
35 members and visitors. Crooke absent through illness and therefore Marett read his paper on 'the Indian village community'
8.6.1911 Gymnasium Somerville college
... 'The President then read a letter from the Secretary of the Folklore Society calling for volunteers to supply substance for the new edition of Brand's Antiquities. Mr Marett, as a member of the Council for the Folklore Society, was prepared to receive names.' Miss B Freire-Marreco read paper entitled 'Anthropological Methods in the American field'. '... Mr Marett replied to certain criticism made on his theories, and other members of the Society asked questions, to whom Miss Freire-Marreco replied ...' 'There were present 16 members of the Society and a large part of Somerville College who were invited as guests of the Society.'
19.10.1911
Sollas read Presidential address on 'The Soul of Neanderthal Man', about 30 members present
2.11.1911
Some 25 members present. Percy Manning read paper on ''Folk-lore Hunting in Oxfordshire'. There was a large display of specimens which Mr Manning had collected. In the discussion which followed Mr Marett and Mr Manning discussed the possibility of some field work being done by some members of the Society.'
16.11.1911
Reginald Smith read paper on 'Palaeolithic Discoveries in the Thames Gravels at Northfleet', with display of specimens. 33 members present
30.11.1911
Mr McDougall read paper on 'Wild tribes of Borneo', showing a specimen of blow-pipe. 39 members present
[no date, Hilary Term 1912]
'... Mr Marett made an announcement re work in the Bodleian for the Folk-Lore Society.' Professor Thomson reads paper on 'Some Factors in the Production of Head Form', with numerous specimens and a mechanical model 32 member present
8.2.1912
'Mr Marett made an announcement re the next meeting and called attention to some eoliths of pliocene age (?) [sic] which he had been asked to exhibit.' A. Wollaston reads paper on 'Amongst the Pygmies in New Guinea.', with specimens. 35 members present
22.2.1912
Arthur Evans read paper on 'Megalithic Monuments'. 62 members present
7.3.1912
R.R. Marett read paper on 'New discoveries in Jersey'. 36 members present
2.5.1912
E.R. Lankester 'exhibited type-specimens of sub-crag flint implements, proving the existence of man in the Pre-Pleistocene times, with observations on the significance of the discovery.' 'In a subsequent discussion Messrs Balfour, Marett and Professor Turner spoke; and finally, with the aid of lantern slides, the President gave the case for the opposition to which ... Lankester briefly replied.' 'Too many members were present to admit counting.'
16.5.1912
Warde Fowler 'On ... ' [blank!] About 35 members present
6.6.1912
Dr Hewett read paper on 'Excavations at Turiqua, Central America'. 39 members present
17.10.1912 Jesus College
14 new members elected. 'The Vice-President, Mr Marett, announced an expedition of the Society to Pepard, Berkshire, on Saturday, the 26th for the purpose of reviewing the alleged Aurignacian finds of Dr A.E. Peake.' President, Sir John Rhys read inaugural address 'Anthropological Selections from Celtic Sources' About 75 members present
31.10.1912 Exeter College
'Mr Marett then proposed that the Society hold an extra meeting each term to permit members to make communications to the Society, or to display objects of anthropological interest. This proposition was carried.' 'Mr Manning on behalf of the Oxford University Antiquarian Society invited the male members of the Society to attend meetings of that body.' W.H.R. Rivers read paper on 'The Contact of Peoples'. About 60 members present
14.11.1912
Vincent A. Smith, Deputy Reader in Indian History, read paper on 'The Sculpture of the Hindus' [he was curator of Indian Institute museum at Oxford]. About 60 members present
25 and 26.11.1912 [special meeting] Ashmolean Museum
Arnold van Gennep, delivered two lectures 'La méthode comparative de Sir E.B. Tylor' and 'L'interpretation par la survivance'
5.12.1912 Exeter College
'Various objects of anthropological interest were shown by Mr Marett, Mr Manning and other members.' About 20 members present
16.1.1913 Magdalen College
Prof J.A. Smith read paper on 'Living superstitions in the Highlands'. About 30 members present
30.1.1913
W.L.H. Duckworth read paper on 'Pre-historic Man on the Rock of Gibraltar'. About 60 people present
13.2.1913
'In Public Business Professor Sollas, Mr Marett and Mr Balfour gave an account of the 'Excavation of the Paviland Cave, [blank], South Wales.' The lecture was illustrated with slides, and archaeological specimens from the cave were exhibited.' About 75 members present
27.2.1913 Hall, Exeter College
Meeting 'for the purpose of reports and exhibitions by members' 'Objects were exhibited by Mr Balfour, Mr Coltart and others' About 20 members were present
6.3.1913
Rev Henri Junod lectured on Ba-Thonga of SE Africa
24.4.1913
'Mr Marett and the Secretary were instructed to arrange for an expedition of the Society to the Rollright Stones.' Professor G. Eliot Smith [Grafton Elliot Smith] reads paper on 'Ancient Stone Monuments and the Question of their Distribution'
8.5.1913 Jesus College
S. Langdon read paper on 'Some problems of Babylonian Magic'
29.5.1913
'... the Society passed a vote of thanks to Dr W. Warde Fowler for supplying the Rollright Expedition with a most adequate tea.' Major A.J.?. Tremearne read paper on 'The Head-hunters of Nigeria'
6.6.1913 Old Bursary, Exeter College 'for purposes of exhibition'.
A paper read 'Religion and Magic an [blank]' by Mr Marett, and another by Mr Manning on the Shotover Giant. 'Wooden figures from New Guinea were exhibited by Mr Coltart and a Goa stone by Mr Balfour. A number of so-called figure-stones had also been sent by Mr W.M. Newton and copies of his pamphlet were distributed to members of the Society.' 17 members were present [NB Coltart gave some wood carvings to Museum in late 1930s]
16.10.1913
Professor Thomson gives Presidential address on the 'Piltdown Skull' illustrated with specimens [Sollas and Marett commented] 54 members present
30.10.1913 Senior Common Room, Christ Church
H.W. Blunt read paper on 'The method of social anthropology'. 22 members present
13.11.1913 Somerville College Maitland Hall
Freire-Marreco read paper on 'Pueblo of Hano' and 'exhibited objects of native manufacture.'
20.11.1913 Exeter College
Sir Richard Temple read paper on 'The value of a training in anthropology for the Administrator, with special reference to India'
27.11.1913 Old Bursary, Exeter College
'... and the report of Mr A.M. Bell of his mission, as representative of the Society, to the International Archaeological Congress at Ghent in August, 1913, was taken as read. It was further decided, on the motion of Mr Manning, to publish this report in the Oxford Times.' 'In Public Business Mr Manning exhibited certain late-Keltic objects and argued from them a close connection between Britain and North France in that period. Dr Farnell made a communication on the use, in Greece, of [blank] in connection with an idol in the 4th century B.C., and Mr Marett concerning the excavation of a round barrow in Jersey. Other objects were exhibited by Miss Bailey, Mr Coltart, Mr Carline and the Secretary.' 28 members were present
29.1.1914
Professor Baldwin Spencer read a paper on 'The Life of the Australian Tribesmen', illustrated with a Kinematograph and a phonograph. Balfour gave vote of thanks. 135 members were present
[Note: In Spencer's Last Journey [Marett and Penniman [eds], 1931: Clarendon Press] in the Memoir written by Marett, he reports, 'I may, perhaps, be allowed to mention here that my first experience of the cinematograph, used moreover in the most ingenious conjunction with the phonograph, was provided by Spencer at Oxford when he brought back from his Trans-continental expedition of 1901 these visible and audible records of the unimaginable human life of the Central deserts' [Marett, 1931: 39]
5.2.1914 Jesus College
Prof H.T. Fleure read paper on 'Racial types of Wales' with introductory remarks by Dr James. 52 members and visitors were present
12.2.1914 Examination Schools, in conjunction with Oxford Folk-Music Society and English Folk-Dance Society (Oxford branch)
Francis Darwin read paper on Folk dances, accompanied by lantern slides 'and musical demonstration on the tabor and pipe.' 'After this Mr Marett exhibited some objects sent by Mr Manning, and spoke of the anthropological interest of the dances and their ritual meaning. Dances and songs were then performed, and, after a vote of thanks to the dancers had been passed, the meeting adjourned...'. 110 members and visitors were present
19.2.1914 New College
Georges Davy read paper on 'La Sociologie Française; Durkheim et son Ecole.' 12 members present
26.2.1914 Exeter College
Another exhibits meeting, at which presentations are made by Marett, Manning, Leeds, Matheson [probably Percy Ewing Matheson], Miss Bailey, Richards and others. Apparently the meeting was 'well attended'
5.3.1914 Exeter College
W. Crooke read paper on 'The Holi; a vernal festival of the Hindus'. 35 members present
30.4.1914 Exeter College
A.M. Hocart read paper on 'Fiji'. About 40 members present
14.5.1914 Senior Common Room, Christ Church
'The Royal Anthropological Institute and the Folk-lore Society were guests of the Society.' Professor E.G.A. Murray read paper on 'Folk-Influence in early Greek literature
4.6.1914
J.L. Myres, assisted by L.H. Dudley Buxton, delivered lecture 'Cyprus in 1913'
11.6.1914
Dr Marett and Captain Coltart 'laid before the Society some account of the recent work done in the Cave in St Brelades Bay, Jersey; exhibiting specimens of implements found. Dr Singer exhibited facsimiles of illustrations from a medieval ms on visions and explained them as exactly comparable to the effects of migraine. Mr Leeds exhibited celts from Portuguese Dolmans.' About 24 members present
29.10.1914
26 members present. Lists new members for first time [6 in total] Presidential address by Myres on 'Influence of Political Theory on the course of Anthropological Research'
12.11.1914
M.C. Burkitt read paper on 'Prehistoric Paintings and Carvings in Europe, with especial relation to recent discoveries in Spain'. 33 members present
19.11.1914 Dept of Geology, University Museum [OUMNH]
36 members present. Another new member mentioned by name. R.B. Townsend [sic - I think this should be Townshend] delivered lecture on Pueblo Indians
26.11.1914 Barnett House [1]
15 members present, new members listed again [as they are in subsequent meetings] ‘In Public Business the following Exhibitions and Communications were made - Mr H Balfour showed (i) official clubs from Malita [sic] Solomon Islands [probably 1914.69.10, obtained by Balfour in Australia on BAAS trip] (ii) Figure of wood and eagle feathers from Admiralty Ids [probably 1914.69.1, again obtained by Balfour in Australia but listed as being from Samuel Sheppard] (iii) Copper ‘fountain-pens’ from Java for batik wax work [1914.38.9-13 etc, 5 pens in all, obtained by Balfour on travelling to BAAS meeting in Australia] (iv) Opium pipes from Melville Id made from modern Worcester sauce and ink glass bottles [from Henry Kenneth Fry, obtained by Balfour in Australia for BAAS trip 1914.37.3 .1 1914.37.3 .2, 1914.37.4]. The President [Myres] gave an account of terra cotta figures of boys from Cyprus and offered a theory as to their significance. Mr Marett gave an account of the Darling Down skull .... He exhibited in addition boomerangs, clubs, fire-sticks and various magic implements from various parts of Australia.’ [Presumably all of these are a show and tell following their return from the BAAS meeting in Australia]
28.1.1915 Barnett House
22 members present. Dr Farnell read paper on ‘Frazer’s Golden Bough: A critical appreciation’.
11.2.1915 Barnett House
E.T. Leeds read paper on ‘The Megalithic Tombs of Spain and Portugal'. 30 members present
25.2.1915 Barnett House
A.M. Hocart read paper on ‘The common-sense of myth’. 30 members present
4.3.1915 Barnett House
20 members present. ‘(i) Mrs Holland read several folklore stories of the Basuto tribe (ii) Mr H. Balfour exhibited specimens of ostrich egg-shell from S. Africa (Zimbabwe) and Sahara [can't match] (b) also forged English palaeoliths and neolithic implements [probably 1915.7.76 et seq. from Fred Snare Brandon, donated by Balfour] (c) a bamboo and iron bladed hoe from the Naga Hills raising the question as to the priority of form [number of possible options, all collected by J.H. Hutton] (iii) Mr E.T. Leeds read some further notes in corroboration of his lecture on Iberian megalithic monuments and an Iberian legend about the origin of menhirs (iv) Mr E.H. Bi... [illegible] exhibited specimens of pottery from N. Wilts (v) Dr Marett exhibited specimens of stone implements from Missouri, USA, [not in PRM collection] and a quit-claim of land in New York State ... and photographs of Australian natives.’
29.4.1915 Lincoln College
33 members present. W. Warde Fowler read paper on ‘Some points of comparison between modern tribes of Borneo and ancient peoples of Italy’.
13.5.1915 Barnett House
15 members present. A.M. Blackman read paper on Egyptian ritual
27.5.1915
25 members present. H. Balfour read paper on ‘Problems in the Geographical distribution of arts and industries’
10.6.1915 Barnett House
18 members present. ‘In Public Business Mrs Batty [Beatrice Braithwaite Batty] exhibited and explained a valuable head-dress of a medicine man from West Africa, which she thereupon presented to the P.R. Museum; the Chairman, Mr Balfour, duly acknowledged her generosity.’ [1915.34.1] Mr E.T. Leeds exhibited and explained some interesting gold ornaments from South America, and Mr Blackman exhibited various objects of anthropological interest from Egypt, including a statuette of a mongoose which he ascribed to the 12th dynasty. The Chairman Mr Balfour exhibited various objects, including rattans used in fire-making by the Nagas, to which a magical significance is attached. [1923.84.200 .1 1923.84.200 .2 1923.84.200 .3 1923.84.200 .4 1923.84.200 .5 again all from Hutton]
21.10.1915 Barnett House
25 members present. D.G. Hogarth gave address on 'Race'
28.10.1915
150 members and visitors present. M. Czaplicka read paper on 'Native Tribes of the Yenesei'. [Lots of Somerville College people present].
18.11.1915 Barnett House [from here Barnett House is default location of meetings]
35 members present. Marett read paper on 'Prehistoric Man in Jersey'
3.12.1915
20 members and visitors present. Freire-Marreco 'read and translated some songs gathered from the Pueblo Indians of America. She also exhibited some interesting drawings made by the children of the same tribe. Mr Marett read a review of his [blank] written by Stephenson, the famous [blank] anthropologist. Rev C.A. James and Mr Brodie displayed some flints, the former having collected his from gravel deposits of England, the latter from a Mousterian cave in Jersey.'
27.1.1916
25 members and visitors present. J. Reid Moir read paper on 'The Evolution of the earliest Palaeoliths from the Eostro-carinate implements' illustrated with lantern slides and 'sample implements'
11.2.1916
25 members and visitors present. Dr Farnell read paper on 'The cauldron-motive [sic] in Mediterranean myth and ritual'
3.3.1916
60 members and visitors present. Sir Arthur Evans read paper on 'The Race problem of Eastern Europe' [NB it is noticeable that most of the new members joining around now are women, due to the War presumably]
9.3.1916
22 members present. Mrs Routledge read paper on 'The stone statues of Easter Island'. 'Miss Freire Marreco read a collection of origin stories from the Zuni of New Mexico.'
3.5.1916
25 members present. Reginald Smith read paper on 'Origin of the Neolithic Celt'.
18.5.1916
25 members present. C.C.J. Webb read paper on 'Primitive Categories'
1.6.1916
'The largest attendance of the Term turned out to hear the paper of the evening', Miss Blackman on 'The ceremonial uses of fire'
8.6.1916
25 members present. W.H.R. Rivers read paper on 'Sociology and Psychology'
19.10.1916
30 members and visitors present, the 2 Seligmans [Brenda and Charles] joined. J.A. Smith [President] read paper on 'The pagan legends of the insular Celts'
2.11.1916
25 members present. Marett read paper on 'Further excavations in Jersey'. 'The lecture was illustrated by lantern slides, and specimens from the Oxford and Cambridge collections.'
16.11.1916
[Blackwood joins OUAS] Haddon read paper on 'The Western Papuans of New Guinea'
30.11.1916
Mr [Shinji] Ishii read paper on 'The Aborigines of Formosa'
25.1.1917
Mr Routledge gave lecture on Easter Island, Mrs Routledge added 'few remarks on the Bird Cult previous to 1870.'
8.2.1917 [100th meeting]
Miss [Margueritee Muriel Culpepper] Pollard read paper on 'The European witch-mania'
23.2.1917
Elliot Smith read paper on 'Was American Culture Indigenous?'
8.3.1917
'In Public Business Mr Bruce Goldie exhibited a collection of Neolithic points. Mrs Holland read a paper on 'A Glimpse into the mythology of the Bushmen'. Mr Leeds gave a discourse on 'Two bronze [blank] found in Oxford'. Dr Marett displayed a number of Australian photographs.'
3.5.1917
Dr Marion Newbigin read paper on 'The Significance of Race under modern conditions, geographical and social'
17.5.1917
W. Crooke read paper on 'The Indian house viewed in relation to social life and folklore'
31.5.1917
Prof Seligman read paper on 'The Arabs and some of their migrations'
14.6.1917
'In Public Business Mr Balfour exhibited some Australian bull-roarers, Haida spoons and Zuni fetiches [sic] from the Tylor collection. [Probably, 1917.53.461, 1917.53.463, 1917.53.462, 1917.53.464, 1917.53.282-6, 1917.53.573-1917.53.587] Mr Laurence brought a number of Assyrian and other objects of interest. Mr Blackman read a paper on 'The Sacramental idea in ancient Egypt.' Mrs Holland read two Basuto Folk tales.'
18.10.1917
About 40 members present. 'Mr Balfour then gave his presidential address on 'Some ethnological suggestions in regard to Easter Island.' The main object of the communication was to bring together evidence pointing to a very distinct Melanesian element in the culture of Easter Island, which has hitherto been regarded as of Polynesian origin.'
1.11.1917
43 members present. 'At the meeting of the OU Anthropological Society on 1 November 1917 E.S. Hartland read a paper on ''Avril bread'. The speaker took as his text a paper envelope which had contained a funeral biscuit. This and similar envelopes had been distributed at the funeral of Mrs Oliver who had died on November 7th 1828. Mr Hartland brought forward evidence to show that these funeral feasts were probably relics of a very ancient custom in various parts of the world of eating the flesh of the dead kinsman. A discussion followed in which the President, Dr Marett, Miss Freire-Marreco and Mr Dixon took part [NB usually there was discussion after the papers and the account usually notes who spoke, but not what was said] [Probably 1919.53.1 or similar, given by T.G. Barnett]
15.11.1917
About 50 members present. Mrs Singer read paper on ''Some medieval folk medicine' which illustrated several interesting types of superstition, such as the use of the mandrake root, the touching for the 'King's evil' and other curious beliefs connected with the healing art. With the paper were shown many excellent lantern illustrations.'
29.11.1917
'In public business the following members read short papers and showed specimens of anthropological interest - Miss Freire-Marreco discussed Mr Hartland's paper on 'Avril Bread' which he had read to the Society on November 1st, and Mrs Holland followed with a short paper on the same subject. These two papers were discussed by the President [Balfour] and Dr Marett, and the readers replied. Mr Balfour exhibited some stilt rests from Marquesas. [too much choice to be certain which one] Also a bronze from Benin, made by the cire perdu process. A delicate piece of work of the 16th or 17th century, this being the best period of Benin art [again cannot be certain which this is] Mr Marett exhibited some lantern slides lent to him by Mr and Mrs Routledge, showing the large stone monuments in Easter Island.' 24 members present
24.1.1918
M. Czaplicka read paper on ''The Easter Turks in the Past and the Present' dealing with the ethnology and archaeology of the Turkic people and incidentally touching upon the political exploitation of Pan-Turcinianism.' 38 people present
7.2.1918
A.M. Blackman read paper on ''The significance of lustrations in Ancient Egypt' in which he suggested that as the sun-god was daily reborn through the medium of lustrations, so the Pharaoh being the son and embodiment of the sun-god was similarly reborn and possibly affiliated to the god through ceremonial washing.' 36 members present
21.2.1918
Mr Devenish Skinner 'read paper on 'The material culture of the Moriori of the Chatham Islands'. The paper described the material culture of the Chatham Islands with special reference to the cultural link between the Otago district of the South Island of New Zealand and the Chatham Islands.' Between 30 and 40 members present
7.3.1918
'Miss Freire-Marreco suggested an alteration in the lighting of the room, the present arrangement being too dazzling for the audience. It was decided that in future only one light should be used.' 'In Public Business Miss Freire-Marreco reviewed the anthropological and archaeological work done by the School of American Research during the past year in the South Western States. She also showed a new form of pipe-lighters recently come into use, owing to the scarcity of matches in war-time. [no matching object in PRM from Freire-Marreco] Her paper was discussed by the President [Balfour], Mr Marett and Mr Tatham. ... The Secretary read a paper on Muhammedan Rosaries which was illustrated by specimens from the Pitt Rivers Museum, kindly lent for the evening by the Curator of the Museum, Mr Balfour... [too many options to be clear which ones this refers to] Dr Marett read a paper on 'Mana and Prayer' which was discussed ...'. 16 members present.
2.5.1918
Mr Johnson read a paper ''Race, language and nationality in Europe' in which the origins and distribution of the European races was discussed.' 20 members present
15.5.1918 in conjunction with the Lady Margaret Hall Folklore Club at LMH
'Mrs Murgoci then read a paper on 'Peasant Customs and Beliefs in Roumania' ... At the conclusion of the paper the Misses Romals gave some peasant dances, the dancers being dressed in native costume. At the end one of the Roumanian officers present in the audience executed a pas seul.' There were about 120 members and guests present
30.5.1918
'In Public Business the Rev . W.G. White [Walter Grainge White] read a paper on 'The Mawken', in which he explained the geographical position of these people and discussed their ethnological affinities. He described the natural features of the islands on which these 'Gypsies of the Sea' sometimes erect a temporary home. He also described their mode of life, their boats etc. He spoke at some length on their language and its possible affinities. At the end of the paper there were a few lantern slides, and Mr White also showed a number of excellent photographs, together with specimens of Mawken mats etc.' About 30 people present
13.6.1918
Mrs Jenkinson read paper on 'The influence of the stranger on some magico-medical practices and beliefs'. 'Mrs Jenkinson also exhibited an elaborately carved and coloured staff from West Africa, lent by Mrs George.' 'Mr Goodrich read a paper on an 'Easter Ceremony in Ischia' This ceremony is performed by the Eastern church in Southern Italy and at its termination a number of captured birds are released.' 'Dr Marett showed some examples of beadwork from British Guiana sent for exhibition by Mr White.' 'The President [Balfour] showed a series of stone adze blades from the Naga Hills shewing the probable evolution of the shouldered blades characteristic of the Indo-Chinese area.' [not clear what objects these are though they might be 5 stone adzes from Tichipami, Sema Naga.] About 20 members present
17.10.1918
Dr Schiller read Presidential address 'Anthropology and Psychical Research' 'At the end of the meeting Mr Mullins exhibited some flint implements etc from Langwith cave, Yorkshire Derby which he presented to the Dept of Geology.' ['from Derby' added later] About 40 members present
31.10.1918
26 new members had been elected during last year, 16 members had resigned, total number of members 126 not including 4 elected at that meeting. Harold Peake read paper 'Ancient Trade Routes and their influence on the sites of modern cities.' 'With special reference to Oxford. Mr Peake showed how by the charting out of the distribution of bronze age finds in the British Isles various trade routes, the oldest of these being of the Ridgeway type, were seen to converge on Ireland, thus indicating that the gold of the Wicklow Mountains was in request abroad. As regards Oxford, he showed how Carfax stood at the meeting point of two ancient routes, but held that the present town did not arise till the main stream of the river shifted from the Eynsham to the Oxford side of the valley, thus enabling Oxford to become the upper terminus of the Thames navigation.' 24 members present
14.11.1918
Dr Langdon read paper on ''Religious scenes on ancient Babylonian cylinder seals and ring seals of the Greek period' in which he showed that the cylinder seal is a common product of the early civilisation of Sumer and Egypt and proves intercourse between those countries before 3500 BC. ... ' 20 members present
28.11.1918
'Miss Payne Smith read a short paper on Witchcraft and Amulets, and also exhibited some amulets. ... Mr Balfour showed some silk pincushions made in the form of pre-historic stone implements and obtained in Eastern Catalonia. They are said to be used also as amulets. [1918.53.1 1918.53.2] Mr Marett gave a short account of Sir James Frazer's new book, Folklore of the Old Testament. ... Mr Struthers showed some flints from Grimes Graves.' 19 members present
23.1.1919 Geological Lecture Room OUMNH
'In public business Dr A.E. Peake read a paper on 'Recent researches at Grimes Graves, Norfolk. Evidence pointing to a Palaeolithic date.' He also exhibited a very large series of implements found on the site, including a great number of types, and illustrated his remarks with lantern slides. He endeavoured to diagnose the period to which the graves should be referred. His general tendency being towards the view that the period should be regarded as Mousterian.' About 40 members present
6.2.1919
A.M. Blackman filled postponed lecture slot with talk 'The Relations of ancient Egypt with foreign countries in the pre-dynastic and proto-dynastic times and during the Old Kingdom.' ...
20.2.1919
Professor Wood-Jones read paper ''The hand as an anthropological study' He described some of the variations in finger length, etc displayed in human hands, and mentioned the significance of these variations in the study of the phylogeny of man. ...' Between 30 and 40 people present
6.3.1919
Rev J. Roscoe read paper on 'The proposed expedition to the Pastoral people of Central Africa'. 'This expedition is to be conducted by Mr Roscoe and the necessary funds have been placed in the hands of the Royal Society by Messrs R.J. Mackie and Co Glasgow. The lecturer gave a short account of some of the tribes he hopes to visit. They are still in a comparatively primitive state, and it is hoped that a thorough investigation of these people will make a valuable contribution to science. Mr Roscoe will proceed by Mombasa through British East Africa to the Victoria Nyanza, and through Uganda down the Nile to Khartoum returning by Egypt.' 22 members were present
1.5.1919
Dr W. Crooke read a paper on 'The Northern and Southern Culture of India'. that is to say the culture of Hindustan ...' About 28 members present
14.5.1919
'Mr Louis Clarke read a paper entitled 'Some Notes on the Galles and their neighbours' .. In this paper Mr Clarke dealt with some of the races living in South Abyssinia ... suggesting that they must have lost the early influence of Egyptian culture by long contact with the Arabs .. He also said a few words about the Somalis, and exhibited a Somali spear straightener of wood. ...' [Possibly 1919.13.16, donated by Clarke] About 30 members present
29.5.1919
Dr Gaster read paper on Roumanian charms and conjurations. ... 'A few specimens of the large collection made by Dr Gaster were read by Miss Blackman on this occasion.' About 33 members present
12.6.1919
'In public business Colonel Frey gave a short account of an expedition he had made to Melville and Bathurst Islands, briefly describing some of their social customs as well as their material culture. ... Mr Hilton Simpson read a paper on Trepanning among the Shawia, also showing the implements used for performing this operation. [quite a lot in PRM collections, eg 1913.17.85, some not given until after 1919] ... Mr Leeds exhibited a curious pottery object of unknown use, which had been dug up by him in Yorkshire.' About 30 people present
16.10.1919
'In public business Mr Balfour gave an informal lecture on ''Lapland and the Lapps'. The country was briefly described and its divisions into four sections - Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish and Russian. With the help of a number of lantern-slides and exhibits, a general description was given of the Lapps, their mode of life and their culture, the semi-nomadic reindeer-herding 'mountain' Lapps being especially dealt with, as representing the purest type of the race. Reference was made to a journey undertaken in the autumn of 1888, into the interior from the Arctic Ocean up the little-known Pasvig River to Lake Enare. The Rector of Exeter proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Balfour for his very interesting lecture, and suggested that, instead of a discussion, the time should be employed in looking at the very extensive exhibit provided by the lecturer.' [Balfour donated 118 Saami objects to PRM] Between 50 and 60 members and visitors were present
30.10.1919
Professor J.L. Myres read a paper entitled 'Woman's place in nature'. 'Professor Myres submitted observations on womans place in nature analysing the functions performed by women in the simple forms of society, and illustrating the ways in which economic give-and-take is affected for men and women respectively, by regional controls of food supply and other external goods, there [sic] reciprocal relationships of mutual service being in turn controlled by the unreciprocal relationship involved in the perpetuation of the race. ... Dr Marett contributed an illustration from cave life in Mousterian Jersey.'
13.11.1919
143 members in total of Society, 22 new members elected in year, and 12 that term. 'Professor Henry of Royal College of Science, Dublin, ... 'The Solos of Yunnan in South-Eastern China'. ... He exhibited an ancestral tablet of the Solos and a ms book, written in their peculiar script'. 40 members present
27.11.1919
'Mr J.H. Hutton read a paper on 'Culture among the Nagas in relation to Mr Perry's theory of megalithic dispersal.' 'Mr Balfour took this occasion to inform the Society of the very large and valuable collection of the material culture of the Nagas which Mr Hutton had presented to the Pitt Rivers Museum' between 30 and 40 members were present
22.1.1920 [From around 1919 the meeting venue seems to move back to the 'Museum', not specified which one is referred to, but it does sometimes say Lecture room which suggests OUMNH to me]
'Professor M, Rostovtzeff read a paper on 'The Copper Age in North Caucasus and the contemporaneous civilisations of Mesopotamia and Proto-historic Egypt' .. Between 50 and 60 people were present
5.2.1920
Mr Pearson Chinnery read paper on 'Cannibalism and Government in New Guinea'. 'The paper was given with the object of proving that in certain districts of New Guinea functions such as cannibalism and head-hunting and other forms of homicide which formed part of the social and religious fabric of native life have been modified by anthropological methods which offered substitutes equally effective in perpetuating the institutions of the natives and bringing them in harmony with the standards of Government.' 'A note of thanks to Mr Chinnery was proposed by Professor Myres who at the same time in the name of the Society asked Mr Gurnsey to express to Mr ... the gratitude felt by all anthropologists for the way in which such work as Mr Chinnery has done is encouraged by the government of Australia.' about 60 people were present
19.2.1920
Professor Newberry read a paper on 'The Tree cults of Ancient Egypt' ... between 40 and 50 members present
4.3.1920
Professor Langdon gave presidential address on 'Early Mesopotamian archaeology, the problems of Sumerian and Semitic origins' ... About 60 people present
29.4.1920
Mrs Rishbeth read paper on 'Some aspects of culture in Papua' ... About 40 members present
13.5.1920
A.M. Hocart read paper on 'Warfare in Eddystone Island' ... About 40 members present
27 ?May 1920
C.G. Bruce 'Nepal' ... About 60 members present
1.6.1920 at Lecture Theatre OUMNH [special public meeting]
Prof Zammit read paper on 'Prehistoric Malta'. Large audience
By special request a second public lecture was given by Zammit on 3.6.1920 on 'Ancient Maltese Burial customs'
10.6.1920
'Mr Buxton made an announcement with regard to a proposed scheme for collecting the folklore, etc, among the people of the Cotswolds.' '... Mr McGovern read a paper on 'Studies in Japanese Ethnology'. About 30 members present
14.10.1920
Mr Leeds read presidential address 'Some problems of the Megalithis question' ... About 50 members present
28.10.1920
141 Society members in total 112 members, and 29 associates. 'In Public Business Dr A.M. Blackman showed by means of drawings and a water colour painting the similarity between an ancient and a modern Hassitic nomad. ... Dr Marett spoke on the Watjabeluk wheel of life ... Mr Binney showed some flints from Wiltshire, and a large flint implement from near Pangbourne. Also a number of flints from the hills the other side of Cumnor. Miss Blackwood, in the absence of Mr Buxton through illness, showed the human bones dug up at Frilford, which illustrated the influence of posture on the skeletal form.' Between 20 and 30 members were present
11.11.1920
'In Public Business the Vice Chancellor read a paper on 'The Study of Mythology, its value and methods'. ... About 50 members present
25.11.1920
Prof F.G. Parsons read paper 'Head-form of the British Isles' ... About 30 members present
20.1.1921
Mr Burkitt talked on prehistoric art in Europe ...
3.2.1921
L.H.D. Buxton 'gave some account ... of the geology of Malta ... also of the physical types recently examined by himself and his party ...'. 'Mr Balfour, referring to the common explanation of stone celts as Thunderbolts, exhibited some examples from West Africa which had been so regarded and employed for magical purposes.' [lots of options of which objects it could be] 'The President [Leeds] gave some tales from the folklore of the Basque country ...' About 20 members present [Note that the fuller accounts of talks stop around here]
17.2.1921
Prof H.J. Rose read paper on 'Celestial and Terrestial Orientation of the dead'. About 35 present
3.3.1921
Rev John Roscoe read paper on 'Mackie Expedition into the Lake Region of Central Africa ... over 100 present'
28.4.1921
T.C. Hodson read paper on Matriarchal systems of the Garos and Khasis of Assam. About 30 present
12.5.1921
Percy Gardner read paper on 'The origin of currency and coins' ... About 20 members present
2.6.1921
'The President also announced by request that Mrs Rosita Forbes would give a lecture in the University Museum on June 10th at 2.30 pm on her expedition among the Senussi of Libya.' 'The President then moved an expression of regret at the death of Miss Czaplicka. The loss was great not only to the Society but to the science of Anthropology at large. Mr Balfour also spoke and seconded the motion. ...' 'In Public Business Mr Hilton Simpson exhibited a large and very interesting collection of the jewellery of the Shawia of the Aures ... Mr Carline displayed a few types of upper lip studs from East Africa. Mr Leeds gave a short account of some of his recent researches in Spain' About 20 members present
16.6.1921
T.A. Joyce read paper 'Some elements in ancient Peruvian culture'. 'Mr Leeds showed some specimens collected in Bolivia. A large number of small boxes of maté was sent for this lecture by the Brazilian Consul.' [there are objects like this, collected by Leeds' relative in PRM] Between 30 and 40 members present
20.10.1921
Prof Goodrich gave presidential address 'The teeth of man'. About 22 members present
3.11.1921
Hilton-Simpson read paper on 'Some cultural survivals among the Hill-folk of Algeria'. About 34 members present
17.11.1921
'In Public Business Dr Blackman exhibited some of his drawings from Ancient Egyptian tombs at Meir. Mr Hilton-Simpson shewed some lantern slides of weaving and specimens of textiles from the Shawia of the Aurés Mountains. Mr Leeds exhibited a series of maté-pots. Dr Marett showed some lantern-slides illustrating the neolithic period in Jersey. Mr Dennan described the making of Maori mats and cloaks for chiefs, and exhibited some very fine specimens.' About 20 members present
1.12.1921
Dr Hall read paper on 'Recent British excavations in Mesopotamia'. About 30 members present
26.1.1922
J.P. Mills 'The Lhotas of the Naga Hills' About 20 members present
9.2.1922
Dr Smith Woodward read paper on 'Fossil man, with special reference to the Rhodesian Skull'. Large audience of about 150.
23.2.1922
'In public business Miss Garrod gave a description of her visit to the caves of Les Trois Frères and Tuc d'Audoubert in the Pyrenees and of the paintings and other examples of prehistoric art which they contain. Mr Martin Harvey read some folk-tales which he has collected in the Hebrides. Mr Field gave an account of the paper recently read to the Royal Anthropological Institute by Professor Elliot Smith on the 'Brain of Rhodesian Man'' About 20 members present
9.3.1922
Colonel Hodson read paper on 'Tree-marriage' [among the Munda and Sental of N.E. India]. About 22 members present
4.5.1922
Dr Malinowski read paper on 'On some customs of the Trobriand Islanders'. 'He dealt with the subject of legal sanctions among these people, and described the complexity and binding nature of their tribal laws, with instances of their infringement and the consequences.' About 25 members present
8.6.1922
Professor Elliot Smith read paper on 'The Brains of the Rhodesian and Piltdown Men'. '...in which he discussed the Rhodesian skull and his own recent reconstruction of the Piltdown skull. He then described and compared the development and functions of some parts of the brain in the lemurs and anthropoids, and in both primitive and modern man.' About 45 members present
22.6.1922
Mr Dennan read paper on 'The Maoris of New Zealand'. About 25 members present
26.10.1922
Miss Blackman read paper on 'Village life in modern Egypt'. '... she gave an account of fertility and funeral rites and described the processes of pottery-making and basketry, and drew attention to some interesting survivals of Ancient Egyptian customs. The paper was illustrated by lantern slides, and a large number of exhibits.' [we do have around 40 ethno objects from Egypt from Winifred Blackman] About 40 members present
9.11.1922
President, Archibald Garrod gave address 'Islands'. About 25 members present
23.11.1922
Prof Seligman gave paper on 'The Latuka-speaking Tribes of the Sudan'. 'He gave some account of the investigations undertaken by himself and Mrs Seligman last year, and drew special attention to the rain-makers found among these tribes, comparing them with those of the Bari and others. The paper was illustrated by lantern slides, including interesting examples of different physical types.' About 30 members present
7.12.1922
'... Mr Field gave a short account of the tooth of Hesperopithecus, which he saw recently in America, he supported the view of the American experts that it belongs to an Anthropoid Primate, as opposed to Prof Smith Woodward's theory that it is the tooth of a cave-bear. Mr Rattray described the principles of the West African drum-language of the Ashanti, and gave a remarkable demonstration on two drums, and a phonograph illustration. He also showed a number of photographs. The President [Garrod] exhibited a short Japanese sword dating from 1138.' [the sword is presumably 1925.10.1 .1 - .2 as the date is right] About 20 members present
1.2.1923
'Attention was drawn to Paragraph 4 of Rule III of the Society, which permits members to become affiliated members of the Royal Anthropological Institute and of the Folk-lore Society for an annual subscription of five shillings. A notice of the February meetings of the Institute was read, which members of the Society are invited to attend without fee.' 'In public business Professor Myres read a paper entitled 'Primitive Science'. He submitted as fundamental obstacles to the reasonable exercise of man's faculties in face of fresh experiences and problems, the excess and the defect of self-confidence, characterized respectively as Fear and Pride. Illustrative matter was taken from Egypt ...'. About 40 members present
15.2.1923
Miss E.G. Kemp read paper on 'The Aborigines of western China' describing travels in region. 'The lecture was illustrated by coloured lantern slides made from her own sketches, and two specimens of Miau embroidery and a soul-receptacle were exhibited.' About 30 members present
1.3.1923
'In public business Mr Leeds gave an account of his excavation of a Saxon village near Sutton Courtenay, illustrated by lantern slides. He also exhibited some of the objects found, including combs, bone pins, day-rings, and flints, and in particular a silver brooch by which he has been able to date the settlement. Mr Carline exhibited some ear-lugs made of rolled paper from Zanzibar, evidently of Indian origin, and drew attention to the curious distribution of this form of ear-plug, which has been found in Peru.' [Ear plugs probably 1920.11.3-5] Six members were present [lowest for long while]
15.3.1923
L.H. Dudley Buxton read 'Some Navajo Folk Tales' '... in which he gave an account of some tales related to him by native medicine-men. He went on to describe various Hopi customs, especially with regard to marriage and social organisation, and contrasted them with those of the Navajo.' About 35 members were present
10.5.1923
Mr Reed Moir read paper on 'The flint implements of Cromer, Norfolk' '... and exhibited flint implements from various sites.' [Similar objects given by Reed Moir see 1921.61.1-12] About 30 members present
24.5.1923
Miss Joan Evans read paper on 'Magical jewels of the Middle Ages' 'A few examples of magical jewels were exhibited to illustrate the paper.' About 25 members present
7.6.1923
'The President announced the following proposed amendments to the Rules of the Society ... Honorary Members - 1. that a class of Honorary Members be established, consisting of specially distinguished anthropologists 2. that the committee be instructed to submit names from time to time ...' Henry Balfour read paper on 'Three months in the Naga Hills, Assam' 'in which he gave an account of his experiences among the Nagas last autumn, and described the various physical types, and the different kinds of native houses. The paper was illustrated by a number of lantern slides and exhibits.' [large number of objects collected by Balfour during this trip in PRM collections] About 55 members present
18.10.1923
'L.H. Dudley Buxton read presidential address 'Inhabitants of China'. About 36 members present
1.11.1923
Mr Leeds read paper on 'The Spanish peninsula in Prehistoric times'. About 16 members present
15.11.1923
Miss Blackman read paper on 'Survivals in modern Egypt from ancient times'. About 27 members present
29.11.1923
[Blackwood joins society again] Honorary members proposed: Breuil, T.H. Joyce, Arthur Keith. 'In public business Mr Turville Petre exhibited flint implements from a cave in the Jordan Valley. Dr Hunt exhibited a number of slides and objects illustrating the practice of magic in Southern India.'
31.1.1924
Prof J.H. Fleure read paper on 'European Race Characters and suggestions as to their evolution'. About 38 members present
14.2.1924
R.H. Thomas read paper on 'Some Native Tribes of the Amazon'. About 30 members present
28.2.1924
Miss DAE Garrod 'Recent Cave Exploration in France' About 40 members present
13.3.1924
Mrs Scoresby Routledge read paper on 'Seventeen months in the Austral Islands and Mangareva'. 17 members present
1.5.1924
J.H. Hutton read paper entitled 'A trans-frontier expedition in the Naga Hills'. 37 members present
15.5.1924
Charles Overy read paper on 'Palaeolithic man in Pleistocene times in the Upper and Middle Thames' illustrated with slides and specimens. 22 members present
29.5.1924
Prof Langdon read paper on 'Oxford excavations at Kish'. About 50 members present
12.6.1924
Captain Rattray read paper on 'Ashanti at Wembley'.
16.10.1924
Professor Dawkins gave presidential address on 'The crypo-christians of Turkey'. 37 members present
30.10.1924
Capt Hilton-Simpson gave paper on 'Life in the Algerian Hills' illustrated by cinema film taken by Mr Haesler, who was unable to be present. About 60 members present
13.11.1924
'In public business Prof Parsons read a very interesting paper entitled 'Recent researches in craniology' illustrated by lantern slides. Professor Thompson made some interesting observations. Mr Buxton raccounted [sic] some of his experiences in Malta.' 25 members present
4.12.1924
'In public business Mr Albert Kahn's coloured photographs were shown by two special French operators and were described in detail by Messrs Benions, Buxton and Becket. The pictures were shown in three sections and were remarkably good especially the method by which one picture was slowly faded into the next by the use of two machines.' 100 people present
22.1.1925
Mr K. Sandford read paper on 'Some recent work on the Pleistocene deposits of the Upper Thames and problems arising therefrom'. 'This interesting paper was ably illustrated by some excellent aerial photographs, of Spitzbergen [sic], taken during the last Oxford Arctic expedition and shown here for the first time ...'. About 20 members present
5.2.1925
Mr Dudley Buxton read paper on 'Life on an Indian reserve in Canada'.
19.2.1925
Mr Perry read paper on 'An early colonization of England'.
5.3.1925
Capt Rattray read paper on 'Fetishes, Fairies and Forest Monsters in Ashanti'. 42 members present
30.4.1925
M l'Abbé Breuil read paper on 'L'art rupestre espagnol'. 50 members present
14.5.1925
Dr Marett read paper on 'A recently excavated dolmen in Jersey'. 'Professor Sollas exhibited some 'eoliths'...'. 'Mr Balfour exhibited a Maori sword club which he had only obtained with the greatest difficulty.' [could be 1925.66.1 but doesnt seem likely, could also be 1923.87.5]. 'Mr Findlay showed 3 present day weapons from New Guinea' [He gave several weapons to PRM]. 25 members present
4.6.1925
J.L. Myres read paper on 'Diffusion and Confusion'. 31 members present
18.6.1925
E.N. Fallaize 'Some aspects of the witchcraft belief' 28 members present
15.10.1925
Mr Stampa gave the presidential address on 'Some notes on Cumbrian Folklore and customs'. 25 members present
[end of first volume]
2nd volume: note this volume is numbered but have just taken in sequence
repeat of 15.10.1925 minute
29.11.1925 but actually probably wrongly numbered and actually 29.10.1925
Miss Blackman read paper on 'The medicine man in modern Egypt' '... illustrated with lantern slides and numerous exhibits.' 35 members present
12.11.19125
Mr Talbot Rice read paper on 'Some anthropological material collected at Kish in Mesopotamia' '...illustrated with lantern slides of the excavations and photographs of the people inhabiting that region at the present day.' 35 members present
26.11.1925
Mr T.T. Barnard read paper on 'The natives of the New Hebrides'. 20 members present
21.1.1926
Miss Helen Bouluois read paper on 'The last of the savages in sunniest Africa'. 22 members present
4.2.1926
Mr Casson read paper on 'The present state of the ethnological problem in Greece'. 'This was a most interesting paper and the discussion that followed was one of the most profitable in recent years.' 30 members present
18.2.1926
Miss Durham read paper on 'Some Balkan customs'. 45 members present
4.3.1926
Miss Garrod gave 'a short communication on a Mousterian cave in Gibraltar. There was also an exhibit of implements from this cave. Mr Buxton exhibited a series of flints found in the High Desert between Jerusalem and Baghdad. Dr Marett showed some very interesting slides of a Hogue excavated in Jersey last year. Mr Binney also showed some interesting slides of houses of the crook type mainly in the neighbourhood of Oxford.' 25 members present.
29.4.1926
Mr Balfour read a paper on 'Naga arts and industries - Assam'. 'The lecture was most interesting and was illustrated by lantern slides and numerous exhibits.' [could be any objects out of large collection collected and donated by him from Nagaland] 20 members present
10.6.1926
Dr R.R. Marett read paper on 'Excavations at Alderney', Rev Denys Shropshire read paper on 'A short summary of the Mashona people', Mr Leeds read a paper on 'An Iron Age find near Abingdon', Mr Field read a paper on 'Some Chellean quartzites from south Spain'. 25 members
3.11.1926
Presidential address given by Mr Casson on 'Deceptive Legend'. 20 members present
11.11.1926
Dr Huset gave paper on [illegible] 'Mendelian Heredity in Man'. 22 members [unfortunately the secretary at this time has virtually illegible writing!]
2.12.1926
Mr Leeds read paper on 'Neolithic site near Abingdon' and 'The ... discoveries' [word illegible]. Mr Eason read paper on 'A Palaeolithic site at Roynham, Kent', Mr Buxton read Prof Langdon's paper on 'The relation between sumer and Harapa India'
27.1.1927
Prof Dawkins read paper on 'Notes on the Greek population of Asia Minor', 'Professor Dawkins also exhibited manuscripts and .... books written in the local dialects of that area.' 26 members present
10.2.1927
Mr Buxton read paper on 'Excavation and exploration in Cyprus Sept 1926'. 'The meeting was a joint one at which members of the Classical Association were present. The total number present including members of both societies was 52'
24.2.1927
Professor Elliot Smith read paper on 'The Philosophic background of Ethnological controversy.' 46 members present
9.3.1927
Miss Garrod read paper on her excavations of a Palaeolithic cave in Gibraltar
5.5.1927
Penniman joined. Prof Sollas read a paper on 'the Chancelade skull'. 21 members present
19.5.1927
Mr Reid Moir read a paper on 'Silted-up lake of Hoxne, Suffolk and its contained flint implements'. 20 members present
2.6.1927
Professor Gordon Childe read a paper on 'Troy, Macedonia and the Danube Valley, about 1000 BC'. 26 members present
20.10.1927
Presidential address given by Professor Soothill on 'Kingship in China: Early years', 30 members present
3.11.1927
J.H. Hutton read paper on 'Further Exploration in the Naga Hills', 22 members present
17.11.1927
R.R. Marett read paper on 'Prehistoric Malta', 29 members present
1.12.1927
F.G. Parsons read paper on 'The influences of heredity and environment on the English skull'. 23 members present
26.1.1928
Henry Balfour read paper on 'The Palaeolithic industry of the recent Tasmanian natives', illustrated with lantern slides and exhibits. 'The lecturer demonstrated the fact that the stone implements of the Tasmanians showed a much higher grade of technique than what had been usually accredited to them.' 27 members present
9.2.1928
Prof S. Langdon read paper on 'Excavations at the Prehistoric site of J....' [the handwriting is getting worse!] 30 members present
23.2.1928
Mr L. Dudley Buxton read paper on 'Recent Anthropological work in the Eastern Mediterranean'. 'The lecturer showed skulls of the Bronze Age from Cyprus and Malta representing a ... form of deformation.' 24 members present
8.3.1928
Mrs Staples-Brown 'The Maori as he was' '... completed by a .... demonstration of Maori dances and processions. The lecturer also showed a valuable collection of exhibits.' 142 members and visitors present
3.5.1928
Capt T.A. Joyce 'then gave a demonstration by lantern slides of the process of pottery-making by the coil method in Zuni, New Mexico and also of the ruins recently excavated in the jungle at Labaantum, New Honduras.' 28 members present
17.5.1928
Mr Falconer 'gave a demonstration of methods of surveying archaeological sites, and a series of lantern slides showing a site excavated and surveyed by him in Egypt.' 'Mr E.S. Thomas read a paper on the 'Comparisons of some ancient N. African and S. Spanish rock signs' illustrated by lantern slides.' 20 members present
31.5.1928
Prof Sollas read paper on 'A method for the study of sagittal [sic] sections of the human skull' being illustrated by lantern slides and specimens. 14 members present
14.6.1928
Francis Rodd read paper on 'Certain reflections on the Tuareg in history'. 'The paper was illustrated by .. specimens of the ornaments worn, and the characteristic veil.' 26 members present
18.10.1928
Mr K. Sandford gave the presidential address on 'A survey of palaeolithic times in Egypt'. [good summary given] 21 members present [recognize handwriting of secretary, someone who writes at PRM but not sure who, could be Thomas, nice and clear anyway!]
1.11.1928
'In Private Business Mr Dudley Buxton said that the White Horse was to be scoured in the Spring and he suggested that if any members of the Society were interested he would later on make enquiries as to details. Dr Leedes [sic] stated that last time it was scoured the work was carried out upon a plan obtained from the Museum.' J. Noel Myers read paper on 'Excavations in the Early Iron Age fort on St Catherine's Hill, Winchester in 1927-8'. 16 members present
15.11.1928 [page 70]
Miss Blackwood read paper on 'Totem poles in British Columbia' [long summary given on facing page] 33 members present
29.11.1928
Charles Bell read paper on 'The people of Tibet'. 40 members and visitors present [NB again long summary of talk on facing page, 71]
24.1.1929
Miles Burkitt read paper on 'Prehistory in South Africa'. 28 members present
7.2.1929
Dr Johnson, Printer to the University, read paper on 'The dust-heaps of Egypt'. 21 members and visitors present
21.2.1929
Balfour read paper on 'Notes on Kenya and Uganda' about recent visit to British East Africa 'to study the environment of the people.' [long synopsis again given] 'The slides were supplemented by an exhibition of objects and photographs so that the country the peoples and their culture were presented very vividly to the audience.' 26 members present
7.3.1929
Seligman read paper on 'Anthropology and the unconscious'. 24 visitors and members present [long synopsis given]
2.5.1929
Professor Griffith read paper on 'The relation of Nubia to ancient Egypt'. 32 members present
16.5.1929
Mr de Navarro read paper on 'The recent theories on the origin and history of the Celts'. 32 members and visitors present
23.5.1929
Mr Eldon Rutter read paper on 'Pilgrimage to Mecca'. 36 members present
13.6.1929
Richard Paget read paper on 'Recent evidence of the nature and origin of human speech'. 37 members present
17.10.1929
E.O. James 'The domestication of animals in relation to the development of culture' 20 members present
31.10.1929
Evans-Pritchard 'Black magic and public opinion in Zande society' 21 members and visitors present
14.11.1929
Miss Garrod 'Recent excavations in the near and Middle East' 37 members present
28.11.1929
Mr Driberg 'The Didinga of the Sudan past and present' 18 members present
23.1.1930
Miss Canziani 'Some Abruzzi folklore' 20 members and visitors present
6.2.1930
Mr Leakey 'Palaeolithic discoveries of east Africa' 35 members and visitors present
20.2.1930
Prof Dawkins 'Historical folklore in Crete' 22 members present
6.3.1930
Prof Sollas short and interesting note on Peking skull, Penniman 'Early inhabitants of Kish' 43 members present
1.5.1930
Mrs Dobson 'Caves, camps and Barrows of Somerset' 22 members present
15.5.1930
HJ Braunholtz 'Pottery making in East Africa' 'A number of exhibits connected with pot making were also shewn' 25 members and visitors present
5.6.1930
Mr Wright 'Folklore in Japanese art' 10 members present
16.10.1930
Evans-Pritchard 'Ethnology of the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan' 26 members present [short synopsis available on facing page as there is sometimes]
30.10.1930
Penniman Presidential address 'Spencer's last voyage, the occasion being a memorial lecture for Sir Baldwin Spencer.' 'A number of his friends and colleagues were present. After the paper the following spoke Mr Balfour, Sir James Frazer, Sir HJ Mackinder, Professor S.J. Hickson, Mr G.C. Bourne, and the Rector of Exeter. Mrs Young (daughter) and Miss Jean Hamilton who accompanied him on his last voyage and showed great courage and resource when Spencer's sudden death left her stranded in remote regions, were also present. 80 members and visitors
[Pasted into book is clip from The Times Nov 5 1930 'Works of Sir H. [sic] Baldwin Spencer / Anthropologists' tributes at Oxford / The President of the OU Anthrop Soc [in full], Mr T.K. Penniman, gave last Friday a memorial address on the character and work of the late Sir H. Baldwin Spencer, to a large audience at the University Museum. Mr Henry Balfour, Curator of the Pitt Rivers Museum, was in the chair, and a large number of Spencer's friends and contemporaries at Oxford - many of them eminent in the scientific world - were present.
Mr Balfour, Mr Howard Goulty, Sir James Frazer, Sir H.J. Mackinder, Professor S.J. Hickson, Dr G.C. Bourne, and Dr R.R. Marett, rector of Exeter, spoke after the paper, contributing interesting, personal reminiscences bearing on his zeal, energy and painstaking accuracy of observation and record. Sir James Frazer bracketed the two Oxford men, Spencer and Sir E.B. Tylor, as the world's foremost anthropologists, and said that in his opinion Spencer's field-work among the aboriginal Australians was the most important and revolutionary contribution to anthropology the world had known, and one which could never lose its value to science.
Mrs Young, daughter of Sir Baldwin Spencer, and Miss Jean Hamilton, his secretary, were also present. Miss Hamilton was with him at Tierra del Fuego on his last voyage, and showed remarkable courage and resource in coping with the difficult situation produced by his sudden death in remote regions.' [I need hardly point out the similarity to the minute!]
On facing page is a list of acceptances for meeting: also included apart from above were EB Poulton, HY Oldham, WL Sclater, Lady Frazer, TM Legge, FA Dixey, JV Bartlett, Dr and Mrs JG MIlne, Prof and Mme Rudler, AJ Carlyle, JE King, AB How, ES Goodrich, J Ford, A Robinson, Arthur Thomson, JB Peile, EO James.
Interestingly Malinowski and wife were invited, 'at Lady Frazer's request' but are crossed through so presumably refused.
13.11.1930
Emil Torday 'The effect of political events on the social and religious institutions of the African' 32 members present [synopsis on facing page, but also rough notes of talk with sketches of ?speaker or other attenders wearing evening dress, did they wear evening dress for Society meetings? I think I have heard some societies did, sketches etc may be done by ES Thomas who was still Secretary at this point I think and of course was very good artist]
27.11.1930
C.G.T. [Cecil Graham Traquair] Morison 'Some African Types' supplemented by several reels of films taken in East Africa 30 members present
22.1.1931
Mr Culwick 'Rock Paintings in Central Tanganyika' [synopsis] 36 members
5.2.1931
R.G. Dingwall 'Cave exploration in Gower' '... illustrated with ... some of the anatomical material he had found with specimens from Cissbury and elsewhere for comparison.' 35 members and visitors
19.2.1931
Prof E.H. Morris 'Scythian art' 18 members present [NB on opposite page is a typed account of meeting, rather humorous, apparently written by Penniman for Thomas as Thomas was absent, in order to write less humorous minute]
5.3.1931
Beatrice Blackwood 'Native Life in the Solomon Is' with slides and exhibits [synopsis] 37 members
30.4.1931 in conjunction with Junior Scientific Society
Elliot Smith 'Peking man' with slides and plaster cast exhibits 150 members of both societies and visitors present
14.5.1931
Reported death of Emil Torday [see below] Guy Brunton 'Early Egyptian Civilizations' with slides and exhibits 35 members and visitors
Stuck on facing page is presumably notice read of Torday's death:
'Emil Torday / During the past week, we have heard, with great regret, of the death of Emil Torday. A number of us have written privately to his wife and daughter, but I felt that you would approve my writing for the Society and expressing how deeply we sympathized with them in their loss. To many of us he was a personal friend, and to others of us who had never met him, his personality, as expressed in his work, was so vivid that we felt that we knew him. Apart from personal reasons, those of us who are interested in African studies will feel his loss deeply, for his knowledge and sympathy, and his real understanding of the African, were qualities rarely united in one man. As a pioneer in the Belgian Congo, he laid the foundations of practical anthropology. From my own experience, I know how unselfish he was in placing his knowledge at the disposal of everyone, and it is characteristic of him that he should, though always suffering, from the severe accident which he sustained in the Field, have turned aside from his special interests to undertake the heavy labour of preparing the monumental volume on the African Races, a work for which every worker in Africa or on African subjects must for ever be grateful.'
28.5.1931
Leonard Woolley 'Latest discoveries at Ur' [synopsis]
15.10.1931
Miss WS Blackman 'Magic and medicine among the Egyptian fellahin' 'which was illustrated with a large number of exhibits collected by herself' [synopsis] 30 members present
29.10.1931
Gregory Bateson 'A system of material culture (Sepik River New Guinea)' illustrated with exhibits [synopsis] 25 members
12.11.1931
Miss Blackwood Presidential Address 'Magic and the Food Quest in the Northern Solomons' [synopsis] 46 members
26.11.1931
Prof Langdon 'Babylonian and Hebrew Demonology with reference to supposed borrowing of Persian dualism in Judaism and Christianity' [snappy title!] 31 member
21.1.1932
Miss Jean Hamilton 'Notes from my Fuegian diary' [synopsis] 34 members
18.2.1932
Arthur Evans 'Temple Tomb of the House of Minos' Buxton 'gave a short report on the anatomical material from the site'. Philological Society invited to meeting 55 members and visitors
25.2.1932 Extraordinary meeting
Prof Basedow 'gave a lecture kindly arranged by Mr Balfour on his anthropological investigations in Central Australia.' 22 members
28.4.1932
N.L. Myers 'Excavations at Colchester in 1930-31' [synopsis] 35 members
12.5.1932
C.G.T. [Cecil Graham Traquair] Morison 'Some W. African Peoples' illustrated with films 30 members
26.5.1932
Audrey Richards 'Function of girls initiation ceremonies among the Babemba' 30 members and visitors [synopsis]
13.10.1932
Dr Marett Presidential address 'The Religious aspects of primitive war'. 'A short discussion followed on a proposal to form a folk-lore study group in connection with the Society, in which Dr Marett, Dr Haddon and Dr James took part.' 35 members
27.10.1932
Henry Balfour 'Ethnological Notes from Nigeria', 'illustrated with slides and exhibits, of photographs and objects taken and collected by Mr Balfour in 1930 on his visit to Nigeria.' 32 members
10.11.1932
'Dr Marett announced that there would be a meeting at his house on Thursday the 17th to discuss the formation of a Folklore group under the auspices of this Society and invited any present who were interested to attend.' Janet R Bacon 'Primitive survivals in Greek mythology' 28 members
24.11.1932
'Dr Marett announced that the Folklore Group referred to at the previous meeting was now in being and that there would be a future meting of those interested on Jan 23rd at the Y.M.C.A. in George St.' T.D. Kendrick read a paper on 'Is there an Arthurian archaeology' 36 members present [synopsis]
14.1.1933
'Dr Marett informed the Society that the meeting of the Folklore Group at the Y.M.C.A. would be at 5 o'clock on Jan 23rd and again reminded members that any one interested was welcome to attend.'
J.R. Marett read a paper on 'Man in relation to soil and climate' [synopsis] 35 members present
2.2.1933
R. Hottot read a paper on 'Congolese studies: Ba Taka Fetishes' [synopsis] 35 members present
16.2.1933
'He [Marett] then called upon Dr Dudley Buxton to deliver his lecture on Oxfordshire Folk to which in the collection for the material for which Miss B Blackwood had cooperated, which was illustrated with lantern slides and exhibits of crania of difft periods.' 45 members and visitors 'including membership of the new local Folk Lore Society' present
2.3.1933
B.G. Maegraith showed cine films of the life of the Arunta of Central Australia with gramaphone records of their songs, taken and recorded in 1926. 'At the conclusion Mr Balfour and Dr Marett spoke of the interest and value of such records of vanishing primitive peoples.' 40 members and visitors present
27.3.1933
Major G. Orde-Browne read a paper on 'Ethnology and its relations to labour problems in Africa' 'in which the lecturer dwelt upon the importance of a knowledge of racial beliefs, customs and prejudices to employers of native labourers, borne out with illustrative anecdotes.' 30 members present
11.5.1933
Dr Joan Evans read a paper on 'Magical Jewels' with examples of jewellery. 22 members present
25.5.1933 joint meeting with Junior Scientific Club
Dr Kane Pearson read a paper on 'the Standard planes of the skull' illustrated with slides, diagrams, charts, skulls and instruments. 40 members present [synopsis]
12.10.1933
R. Hottot gave the Presidential address on 'Kulu and Ngele A Study in beliefs and rites among the Gmbwaga Ndu, French Congo' [synopsis]. 35 members present
26.10.1933
Leonard Barnes read a paper on 'Sociological and economic life of the S. African Bantu' [synopsis]. 30 members present
9.11.1933
Elsie Corbett read a paper on 'Folklore Survivals in an Oxfordshire village' [synopsis page 177]. 50 members 'including members of the affiliated Oxford Folk Lore Society' present
23.11.1933
Raymond Firth read a paper on 'Marriage by capture in Tikopia'. 30 members and visitors present [synopsis]
18.1.1934
Dr Adam read a paper on 'Native law in Africa ...'. 27 members and visitors present
1.2.1934
M.E. Durham read a paper on 'Whence comes the dread of ghosts and evil spirits'. 30 members present
15.2.1934
Richard Paget read a paper on 'the Gestures of human speech [sic]. 45 members and visitors present
1.3.1934
Lord Raglan read a paper on 'Traditions'. 40 members and visitors present
26.4.1934
Henry Balfour read a paper on 'Notes on some British folklore material in the Pitt Rivers Museum' 'which was illustrated with exhibits from the Museum' [sadly, no synopsis]. 40 members present
[However loose sheet of paper tucked in next page is rough notes on talk] 'Black magic White magic Precious bane / Policeman and maid Hereford 1883 / Merger grant Corp Chris /Straw avril for warts / Yarmouth prey god fish card? / Belemite for white mouth / Black Bryony (Frazer) / Split tree for hernia'
10.5.1934
Dr Speiser read a paper on 'Migrations in Melanesia' [synopsis]. 25 members present
7.6.1934
Dr Ananda Krishna Dyer read a paper on 'Primitive culture in S India'. 31 members and visitors present
18.10.1934
Mrs Seligman gave the presidential address on 'Religious and political organisation in the Nilotic Sudan'. 47 members and visitors present
1.11.1934
Gregory Bateson read a paper on 'Initiation among the Iatmul (Sepik River New Guinea). 17 members present
15.11.1934
Miss Violet Mason read a paper on 'Oxfordshire Folklore'. 55 members of society and the Oxfordshire Folklore Society present
29.11.1934
Dr Rattray read a paper on '... in the old African culture' [it looks like Vital Things]. 33 members present
24.1.1935
Miss E.J. Lindgren read a paper on 'Reindeer Tungus of Manchuria' [synopsis]. 32 members present
7.2.1935
Arthur Thomson died, convey sympathy etc. J.P. Mills 'to show the films illustrating scenes in the lives of peoples in the Naga Hills and Manipur which the lecturer elucidated with a running commentary. There being no time for discussion Mr Henry Balfour expressed his high appreciation of Mr Mills anthropological work and to the valuable collections of material given to the Pitt Rivers Museum by Mr Hills and Dr Hutton, also to the great ethnological value of the films which were the property of the Museum.' 42 members and visitors present
21.2.1935
Sollas read a paper on 'Man, apes, and neanderthals' [synopsis]. 40 members present
7.3.1935
H.R. Nyabongo read a paper on 'Etiquette in Uganda'. 30 members and visitors present
2.5.1935
Audrey Richards read a paper on 'Some witch finders in N Rhodesia' 'which was illustrated with exhibits of magical implements discarded by the people under the influence of the witch finders or Bamuchapi, whose methods were described' [synopsis]. 40 members and visitors present
16.5.1935 Silver Jubilee meeting
'The President [Brenda Seligman] gave a short and interesting account of its beginnings and those concerned with its institution, with a reference to its more famous past presidents and readers of papers at its meetings. [synopsis] A film depicting the Ainu Bear ceremony was then shewn to which Dr Marett acted as interpreter and commentator. At the conclusion of the film Mr Henry Balfour showed the meeting a number of interesting objects from the P.R. Museum collection which has been seen in use in the ceremony.' [possibly 1910.68. and / or 1935.74. etc] 76 members and visitors including members of Junior Scientific, Ashmolean ...
13.6.1935
S.F. Nadel read a paper on 'Witchcraft and anti witchcraft among the Nupe in N Nigeria'. 31 members and visitors present
17.10.1935
Charles Harper gave the Presidential address on 'Land customs and land questions on the Gold Coast' [synopsis]. 40 members present
31.10.1935
B.G. Maegraith showed films showing Arunta ceremonies, Central Australia and gramaphone records. 45 members and visitors present
14.11.1935
Prof Le Gros Clarke read a paper on 'Evolutionary parallelism and the origins of man' illustrated with slides and exhibits. 30 members and visitors present
28.11.1935
M. Fortes read a paper on 'Some aspects of the ancestor cult in a tribe [Tallensi] of the Gold Coast Hinterland' [synopsis]. 45 members present
23.1.1936
I. Schapera read a paper on 'Political organisation of the Betsuana'. 21 members present 'a small attendance doubtless due to the death of King George'
6.2.1936
S.F. Hofatra read a paper on 'Individual and Group in Mendi life'. 28 members and visitors present
20.2.1936
F.G. Parsons read a paper on 'The Chiltern Crosses'[synopsis]. 32 members and visitors present
5.3.1936
Dr R. Money-K... [illegible] read a paper on 'The development of war: a psychological approach' [synopsis]. 36 members and visitors present
30.4.1936
H.D. Skinner read a paper on 'Maori and Polynesian in the light of ancient archaeological work' [synopsis]. 30 members and visitors present
14.5.1936
Wolfram Gottlieb read a paper on 'Latvian folk songs' [synopsis] 'Mr G.R. Ga... also spoke, emphasizing the need to record the folk-lore of the British Isles before it was finally lost.'
28.5.1936
R.E. Enthoven read a paper on 'Ethnological Survey of India'
20.6.1936 Special General Meeting
to receive nominations for Society posts. 'The meeting recorded its deep regret at the sudden death of the Secretary Mr Ernest Thomas and gave instructions for a letter to be sent to Mrs Thomas.'
15.10.1936
Prof Le Gros Clarke gave the presidential address on 'Physical Anthropology and social problems' [synopsis]. 29 members and visitors present
29.10.1936
James Hornell read a paper on 'The ancestry of ... built boats'. 15 members and visitors present
12.11.1936
John Layard read a paper on 'Social organization and megalithic ritual in NE Malekula' [illustrated with kinship charts etc, a first]. 15 members 2 visitors
26.11.1936
Dorothy Garrod read a paper on 'Some stone age problems of the Near East'. 31 members and 2 visitors present
21.1.1937 in conjunction with OU Archaeological Society
'Miss Violet Mason announced that an "Old Times" Exhibition would be held in the Town Hall, Oxford, from April 27th to 30th 1937 and appealed for antiquities and "bygones" for exhibition to be sent to Barnett House, asking members also to make known the exhibition as widely as possible amongst their friends.' Alexander Heiller [possibly not right spelling] 'Ancient Excavations at Avebury', 'the Chairman then called upon Professor Balfour (who had supervised the original excavation of the fosse [?West Kennet]) who emphasized the extraordinarily good work that Mr H had done in Wilts ...'. 70 members and visitors present
4.2.1937
Robert McGarrison or McCarrison read a paper on 'Food and Physique of Indian Races'
18.2.1937
S.F. Nadel read a paper on 'Gunma - a fertility cult from Central Nigeria' '... then called upon Mr Penniman to play his records of Gower folk music, sung by Mr Philip Tanner, including mouthmusic and a 'wassail' song, which were greatly appreciated by the audience of 17 members and 1 visitor.'
4.3.1937
Sir Arthur Smith Woodward read a paper on 'Some recent researches on fossil man'. 40 members and visitors present
29.4.1937
J.C. Trevor read a paper on 'Some results of "field" work in the Virgin Islands'. '... Mr Trevor exhibited samples of Arawah skulls ... which he had excavated from a burial ground on Water Island, and polished stone axes from Virgin Amegada associated with kitchen middens, then showed the 16 mm films that he had made ...'. 17 members present [1937.23.1 et seq?]
13.5.1937
Prof S. Montell read a paper on 'Life and customs in Mongolia of today'. 14 members and 3 visitors present
27.5.1937
Dr Münter read a paper on 'Church registers as sources for the history of rural communities'. 8 members present
14.10.1937
Grace E. Hadow gave the presidential address on 'Folk lore in present day English life'. 18 members and visitors present
28.10.1937
R.S. Rattray read a paper on 'Gold Coast Kings and their coronations'. 42 members and visitors present
11.11.1937
G. Lane Fox Pitt Rivers read a paper on 'The new Apocalypse of man, the social animal', 'a pleas for what he described as the science of ethnogenics, which he had made particularly his own and especially for methodology in the study of anthropology.' 23 members and visitors present
25.11.1937
Professor Melville J. Hershovits read a paper on 'Problem of acculturation'. 23 members present
20.1.1938
A.R. Radcliffe Brown read a paper on 'Totemism in Australia' [synopsis]. 33 members and visitors present
3.2.1938
M. Fortes read a paper on 'Anthropology and administration on the Gold Coast'. 30 members present
17.2.1938
[Christine Hole joined]
F.E. Zeuner read a paper on 'Some aspects of the chronology of early man'. 32 members and visitors
3.3.1938 joint meeting with Ashmolean Natural History Society of Oxfordshire and OU Archaeological Society
F.M. Schintger read a paper on 'Hindoo remains in the jungle of Sumatra'. 64 members and visitors present
6.5.1938
Large number of visitors from Oxford Architectural and Historical Society and the Oxford University Anthropological Society. R.E. Mortimer Wheeler read a paper on 'Maiden Castle'. 122 members and visitors present
12.5.1938
Miss Olive Lodge read a paper on 'Village wedding customs in Serbian Macedonia' illustrated with slides and 'some very beautiful dresses and ornaments...'. 8 members present
26.5.1938
Rev E.R. Hughes read a paper on 'The book of Lu Pu Wei'. 13 members present
13.10.1938
'Referring to the death towards the end of last term of one of the original members of the Society, Mrs H. Balfour, the chairman said that the Society would no doubt wish to record their sense of loss, and sympathy with Professor Balfour. It was agreed.'
A.R. Radcliffe Brown gave the presidential address on 'Myth'. 16 members 9 visitors present
27.10.1938 meeting with Ashmolean NH Society
Donald Thomson showed film 'An anthropologist in Arnhem Land'. 100 members and visitors present
10.11.1938
Members of O.U. Archaeological Society and Oxford Architectural and Historical Society present
Alexander O. Curle read a paper on 'The Bronze Age, Iron Age and Viking dwellings of Jarlshof and Wiltrow Shetland'. 58 members and visitors present
24.11.1938
L.H. Dudley Buxton read a paper on 'The Anthropology and Ethnology of Cyprus'. 34 members and visitors present
19.1.1939
J.L. Myres read a paper on 'Nomadism'. 27 members and visitors present
2.2.1939
H.M. Gluckmann read a paper on 'Black-white hostility and co-operation in Zulu church and state'. 25 members and visitors present
16.2.1939
'... the chairman referred to the very grievous loss that the Society had sustained by the death of Professor Henry Balfour, co-founder and twice President of the Society, for 30 years an active participant in all its affairs, regularly attending its meetings, at which he has upon many occasions read papers of great scientific interest. With the approval of the meeting, the chairman instructed the Secretary to write to Professor Balfour's son on behalf of the Society expressing their sympathy and condolences.' G.M. Morant 'The races of Central Europe'. 14 members and visitors present
2.3.1939
H. Meinhard read a paper on 'The Javanese theatre (Wayang)'. 30 members and visitors present
27.4.1939
Dr Marett read a paper on 'Caves, catacombs, and religion'. 21 members present
11.5.1939
Verrier Elwin read a paper on 'Problems in the administration of Indian aboriginals'. 33 members and visitors present
25.5.1939
Dorothy Garrod read a paper on 'Cave hunting in Bulgaria'. 34 members and visitors present
2.11.1939
Ella [sic] Ettlinger read a paper on 'Documents of British superstition in Oxford'. 'In this she described and classified the many objects preserved in Oxford colleges and museums to which amuletic properties had been ascribed in the past or which had been used as charms for good or evil, from medieval times to as recently as the last war.' 43 members and visitors present
16.11.1939
Marguerite Milward read a paper on 'From Bastar to the ..hondmals'. 21 members present
30.11.1939
R.R. Marett read a paper on 'Charity in the struggle for existence', repeat of Huxley lecture for RAI
1.2.1940
[Now meeting during day because of war] E.E. Evans-Pritchard read a paper on 'The political system of the Anuak of the Sudan'. 14 members and visitors present
15.2.1940
'...the chairman gave notice of a proposal to run a motorcoach to Cambridge on Saturday 24 Feb to convey members and their friends to the meeting of the RAI.' B. Blackwood showed films 'Crafts of New Guinea and New Britain' of exhibition undertaken in 1937-8. 'Afterwards she showed exhibits of patterned bark-cloth, etc and explained the processes of their manufacture, answering many questions put by the audience.' 16 members and visitors present
29.2.1940
J.N.L. Myres read a paper on 'The early Kingdom of East Anglia' talk about Sutton Hoo. 15 members and visitors present [newspaper clipping loose]
9.5.1940
John Layard read a paper on 'South Sea Island Music from Malekula'. '... illustrated them with lantern slides, accompanied by some of their appropriate songs, either recorded upon the spot or sung by himself.' 12 members and visitors present
23.5.1940
M. Fortes read a paper on 'Names in West Africa'. 11 members and visitors present
6.6.1940
Miss A. Powell-Cotton showed films on 'The Kwanyama tribe, Angola ...'. 20 members and visitors present
31.10.1940
T.K. Penniman gave the presidential address on 'The Garden of Eden'. 41 members present
14.11.1940
R. Le May read a paper on 'The early periods of Buddhist art in Siam'. 23 members and visitors present
28.11.1940
J.V. Harrison films and slides 'Travels through the Western Mahran'. 64 members and visitors present
6.2.1941
R.M. Dawkins read a paper on 'Albanians of today' .. '... the President concluded by thanking the lecturer ... and invited the audience to adjourn to the Pitt Rivers Museum to inspect an exhibition of Albanian jewellery recently presented by Miss Mary Edith Durham.' 18 members and visitors present [1940.12]
20.2.1941
Reginald Le May gave a 2nd lecture on 'Buddhist art in Siam'. 27 members and visitors present
6.3.1941
C.K. Meek read a paper on 'The Religions of Nigeria' [short synopsis]. 36 members and visitors present
15.5.1941
Marett paid tribute to Sir and Lady Frazer. John Layard 'Mythology and Dreams'. 30 members and visitors present
29.5.1941
Raymond Firth read a paper on ''Malay magic and religion'. 29 members and visitors present
12.6.1941
A.S. Barnes read a paper on 'The making of flint implements' and demonstrating flint knapping, using plate glass rather than flint, then audience tried, plus exhibits 'many beautiful specimens of both ancient and modern work laid out for their inspection.' 37 members and visitors present [too many match objects from PRM collections to choose from, assuming he choose from his donations there]
30.10.1941
John Layard gave a presidential address on 'The Malekulan journey of the dead mirrored in megalithic ...'. 31 members and visitors present
13.11.1941
Mr Rodney Gallop read a paper on 'Pre-Christian cults in present day Mexico'. 30 members and visitors present
27.11.1941
William Cohn read a paper on 'The Four deities of the cardinal points in Chinese art'. 36 members and visitors present
5.2.1942
Prof E.O. James read a paper on 'Some palaeolithic sites'. 17 members and visitors present
19.2.1942
D. Forde read a paper on 'Kinship and the Family, an analysis of a Nigerian society'. 18 members and visitors present
5.3.1942
Miss Canziani read a paper on 'Some Italian beliefs, customs and magic'. 'There was also a rich collection of objects laid out on the table round which much of the consequent discussion centred'. 27 members and visitors present
14.5.1942
J.L. Myres read a paper on 'The races and cultures around the Aegean'. 23 members and visitors present
28.5.1942
Audrey Richards read a paper on 'Death and re-birth of a South African tribe' [synopsis]. 23 members and visitors
11.6.1942
Dr Meinhard read a paper on 'The social organisation of the Santal people'. 18 members and visitors present
29.10.1942
H.J. Massingham read a paper on 'The separation of nature from religion in the seventeenth century'. 31 members and visitors present
12.11.1942
Nevill Coghill read a paper on 'St George and the Dragon'. 'As an actual example, Mr Coghill read a short play, which had been collected and recorded by Mr Todd of Waterperry.' 31 members and guests present
26.11.1942
Mrs Murray Chapman read a paper on 'A recent journey across Madagascar'. 65 members and guests present
4.2.1943
Miss Violet Alford read a paper on 'Maskers and Guisers'. 24 members and guests present
18.2.1943
Mrs Broke Freeman [sic] read a paper on 'Children's art' 'There was exhibited on the walls an interesting collection of children's paintings ...'. 46 members and guests present
4.3.1943
Memorial meeting for Marett
20.5.1943
Mrs Mackay read a paper on 'Geographical situations of Ancient cities of the East'. 29 members and guests present
3.6.1943
C.F.A. Schaeffer read a paper on 'New light on the civilizations of the ancient East' [synopsis]
17.6.1943
Prof Maviogordato gave the presidential address on 'Thoughts on the present position of anthropology'. 27 members and guests present
28.11.1943 [could be October?]
William Cohn gave the presidential address on 'Avalokitesvara Kwanyin kwannon The History of a Buddhist deity'. 57 members and guests present
1.11.1943 joint meeting with the Society for Cultural Relations with the USSR, the Oxford Univ. Archaeological Society and the Oxford Architectural and Historical Society [evening meeting]
V. Gordon Childe read a paper on 'Soviet Archaeology: interpretation and discoveries'
11.11.1943
Mrs Martin-Clarke read a paper on 'Medieval Grotesque'. 28 members and guests present
3.2.1944
Lord Raglan read a paper on 'Death and rebirth'. 38 members and guests present
17.2.1944
M Fortes read a paper on 'West Africa goes to war' 32 members and guests present
2.3.1944
C.P. Fitzgerald read a paper on'Chinese rule over non-Chinese peoples in Yunnan'. 30 members and guests present
11.5.1944
Andy Williams read a paper on 'The pre-history of the Gower peninsula, South Wales'. 19 members and guests present
25.5.1944
Mr Codrington read a paper on 'Afghanistan's place in Central Asia'. 26 members and guests present
8.6.1944
Dr Margaret Read read a paper on 'Some aspects of African education'. 31 members and guests present
2.11.1944
Meyer Fortes gave the presidential address on 'Anthropology at the cross roads.' 49 members and guests present
16.11.1944
Mr Joyce Cary read a paper on 'Primitive freedom'. 55 members and guests present
30.11.1944
Frank Howes read a paper on'The anthropological content of Folk song' 'this was delightfully illustrated by his sister, Miss Marie Howes, who sang the songs he considered.'
6.2.1945
St John Evans read a paper on 'The missionary and the anthropologist'. 32 members and guests present
22.2.1945
William Cohn read a paper on 'Ch'an Buddhism and its art'
8.3.1945
Prof E.R. Hughes read a paper on 'A dualistic method of approach to Chinese anthropological 'data''. 30 members and guests present
17.5.1945
G.I. Jones read a paper on 'Nigerian art'.
31.5.1945
Radcliffe-Brown read a paper on 'African gods and Christian Saints in Brazil'. 40 members and guests present
14.6.1945
Professor Grensted read a paper on 'Manx crosses'. 25 members and guests present
1.11.1945
Radcliffe-Brown gave the presidential address on 'The future of anthropology' [synopsis]. 34 members and guests present
15.11.1945
O.W. Samson read a paper on 'Chinese place in the Ethnographical Museum'. 29 members and guests present
29.11.1945
Evans-Pritchard read a paper on 'Applied anthropology'. 34 members and guests present
7.2.1946
Miss A.M. Calverley read a paper on 'Records of Roumanian peasant life'. 28 members and guests present
21.2.1946
M.H. Sim.... [illegible] 'Social Organisation of the Coorgs in South India'. 22 members and guests present
7.3.1946
Mr Atkinson read a paper on 'The Oxford district during the early Bronze Age'. 28 members and guests present
16.5.1946
G.E. Harvey read a paper on 'The excluded areas of Burma'
30.5.1946
Dr Sherwood Taylor read a paper on 'The idea of Pneuma in Science'
13.6.1946
M. Fortes read a paper on 'Ashanti revisited'. 24 members and guests present
31.10.1946
S. Weiner gave the presidential address on 'Problems of racial variation'. 25 members and guests present
7.11.1946
D.B. Harden read a paper on 'Ancient glass'
28.11.1946
E. Ettlinger read a paper on 'Pre-cognitive dreams in Celtic legend'
6.2.1947
Dr Tanner read a paper on 'The classification of human physique'
[here endeth second volume]
[1] http://www.apsoc.ox.ac.uk/History.html
Barnett House was established in 1914 as a memorial to Canon Barnett, former warden of Toynbee Hall, the first university settlement, which had been set up in Whitechapel 30 years earlier and dedicated to the memory of Arnold Toynbee and to the ideals of social service and social enquiry associated with his name. The new institution in Oxford was to be a centre for the study of social and economic problems, and the education and preparation of young men and women for social work or social research.
During the First World War, Barnett House developed rapidly as a centre for social and economic studies and social work training, with prominent lectures and debates by eminent academics and public figures on the social and economic issues of the time. It also became a spring-board for new organisations such as the National Council for Social Service, based on ideals of 'citizen service' and 'the corporate citizen effort to improve social conditions'. Barnett House also pioneered the development of rural adult education development, fostering village industries, libraries, lectures and classes on social and economic questions, music and drama, and the Oxfordshire scheme became the prototype for rural community councils nationally. This combination of self-government and social service was crucial for post-war reconstruction. Initially Barnett House was not formally attached to the University, but close association was guaranteed by the Heads of Houses and college fellows among its founder members, who continued to be strongly represented on its governing body or Council.
