Book excerpt: This book, first published in 1984, marks the closing of a long and important chapter in the history of the accountancy profession. The Society of Incorporated Accountants was founded in 1885 and over its long history achieved much in the development of the profession. The book is concerned with the main policies of the Society, its leading personalities, its organisation, and the general will of its body of Members. It also focuses on economic and business affairs, legislation and constitutional development, as well as the relationship of different sections of the profession and developments in other countries.