And whilst we gratefully acknowledge that cordial response which the commencing labors of our young Institution have already experienced from some of the most illustrious who adorn science in this age, let us look forward hopefully to a period when we will rise to array around us, as our honorary representatives, the learned of the scientific world in foreign lands, and when the lustre of those brilliant stars in the firmament of science will more closely guide us in the search of truth. During that period in which part of our labors will receive a sectional organization, the attainment of our aim will likely be accelerated.

Many, watching carefully our progress, my honorable and distinguished predecessor and myself amongst them, reflected on this alteration with serious anxiety. If the sectional proceedings, which at present should be regarded only in the light of an experiment, are restricted as occasion offers to the pursuit of discoveries by co-operation;—if they are freed from that formality and that restraint which, by necessity, must rule our general convenings;—if, moreover, they axe held to test communications and discoveries first enunciated before the Institute, then we may see, in the alteration contemplated, a favorable turning point for our future career. But should, by previous transactions, that interest which novelty imparts to every communication be more or less withdrawn from our general assemblies, then we must fear that in an association so young as ours, and in which almost every branch of science counts but few as woiking members, the support given to the Institute by well-attended ordinary meetings, replete with novelty and interest, must greatly be diminished. Let us avoid this precipice! Great facilities for the proposed sectional proceedings will in future be enjoyed. For, aided by the munificence which the rulers of this colony have displayed, for whcih our deepest gratitude is due, we will ere long rejoice in raising triumphantly the pillars of a temple in which, we trust, Science will reign for centuries.

When we remember that, till lately, some of the noblest and most useful scientific institutions of Great Britain contended with many difficulties, arising chiefly from a want of needful accommodation, we may congratulate ourselves on being by the Government and Legislature so early favored in consolidating our society and giving access to the multifarious communications which, through the generosity of our friends, have accumulated as our property.

Royal Society of Victoria