Mathematics in Relation to other Subjects of Knowledge

On accepting the invitation to deliver your inaugural address my first feeling was one of cheery optimism, the subjects at my disposal being so many and varied that I felt certain of easily ohoosing one that would be acceptable to you all. On second thoughts however, numerous difficulties presented themselves. The subject of this inaugural address should be one that is fairly general in oharaoter, it should not be too technical, it should not be beyond the comprehension of even the least mathematically inclined of the audience and yet it should bear on the subject-mathematics-which offers the excuse for the existence of this Society.