With McCoy's death, Professor Spencer became Director of the National Museum and, because of the complete re-organization that became necessary following the decision to transfer the Museum from the University to the Public Library block, he was obliged to resign as honorary secretary of the Society—a position he had held with great distinction for ten years. However, he did not entirely sever his connection with the Society as, in a year or so following this time, he was elected president, and later a trustee.

The decision in 1901 that the International Catalogue of Scientific Literature of the Royal Society of London should be extended to Australia resulted in the Royal Society being requested to form the Regional Bureau for Victoria, with headquarters at the Society's hall. Professor J. W. Gregory agreed to become head of this bureau. However, in spite of the fact that the government expressed its opinion that it was not prepared to assist in the publication of this work, and had referred the matter to the Public Library, the Society decided to continue the work of the Regional Bureau at its own expense. Professor Gregory carried out these duties until 1904 when, because of his leaving Australia, it became necessary to appoint a new cataloguer. Professor W. A. Osborne and Mr T. S. Hall (the Society's secretary) were appointed to continue this valuable work, but owing to pressure of other duties were quickly forced to relinquish it. After the Science Faculty of the University had been offered this project, but were unable to carry it out, it was referred back to the Bureau in London which, following communications with the Agent-General there, suggested to the Premier of Victoria that the Public Library should undertake the work. This being approved, in 1911 the government offered an annual grant of £50 for cataloguing purposes, which arrangement continued until 1915 when the grant was abandoned. The work, however, was carried on by the staff of the Public Library under great difficulties, particularly during the war years, under the direction of Mr E. R. Pitt, who was also a member of the Society. How well he succeeded in this task is now known to every Australian librarian. However, in 1921, the Royal Society of London, through lack of finance, was forced to abandon the project.

Royal Society of Victoria