In considering the origin and development of the friendly society system, it is necessary to recognize the twofold purpose that these institutions have fulfilled. In the view of the actuary they are merely associations for the mutual assurance of certain benefits, generally in the case of the sickness or death of any of the members. This, however, represents only one side, and that by far the most recent, of the work of these institutions. A not less prominent and much older feature is to be found in the opportunities for social intercourse, companionship, and mutual help, which such associations naturally afford—wants common to man in every state of society, and as old as civilization itself. Hence, from the earliest times, small communities have existed, drawn together by the common interests, tastes, or pursuits of the members, such communities being originally purely social in character, subsequently charitable and mutually protective, and only in recent times financial.