THE MIDLAND CLUB, in New Street, was established in the year 1869, and is a non-political club. THE CONSERVATIVE CLUB was established in 1872. The present club house is in Union Street, but a larger club house in Temple Row is being built. THE LIBERAL CLUB was established in the year 1877, in New Street, and in November, 1885, was removed to the stately building at the corner of Congreve Street and Edmund Street. THE REFORM CLUB was established in the year 1879, under the title of the Junior Liberal Club. It occupies rooms in New Street. THE MIDLAND CONSERVATIVE CLUB, which now occupies the Waterloo Rooms, in Waterloo Street, was established in the year 1882. All the above clubs are open to members of the Association during the meeting of 1886, on presentation of their cards of membership. For an account of The Clef Club see page 148. Other clubs of a political, social, or scientific character are very numerous in Birmingham. * * * * * The matters touched upon in this Introduction must be regarded as illustrative of the progress of the town in a few particulars which did not fall within any of the divisions of Part II. of this Handbook (see Table of Contents). Fully to realize the development in every direction of our municipal, educational, ecclesiastical, literary, artistic, and industrial life, the whole of that part should be consulted. The remainder of the book will shew how assiduously various branches of science are cultivated amongst us. PART I. HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES. 1086--1800. BY SAM: TIMMINS.