Royal Society Library, 2001 (Photographed by Gavan McCarthy).

Membership of the Society, which has a general rather than a specialized scientific outlook, includes scientists in many disciplines in addition to many men and women in other walks of life who have an interest in scientific matters. In 1934 there were 200 members, increasing slowly to 250 in 1947 and then more rapidly to 650 in 1980. The Society's Hall, situated on land granted to the Society by the Victorian Government for scientific purposes in 1857 and bounded by Victoria Street, La Trobe Street and Rathdowne Street, was built in 1859 to the design of architect Joseph Reed. It has been maintained and improved, and in 1953 was extended, remodelled an refurnished following an agreement with the Australian Regional Council of the Royal college of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (now the Australian College) for tenancy of portion of the extended building and joint use of the Lecture Hall, Library and Supper Room. The extensions to the hall were formally opened by the Governor, Sir Dallas Brooks, on 25th August 1954. At the same time, trees were planted and the grounds put in order, and they are now maintained by the Melbourne City Council as one of the City's smaller parks.

Royal Society of Victoria