In the development of social as well as political institutions, events occur of significant importance from which the historian dates new epochs, or which the citizen points out as the inauguration of new eras. Such an event has on this occasion arisen to our Institute—that moment from which our existence as a scientific union may be regarded as perpetual, and its labors as consolidated.

More fortunate than many other scientific associations, we have here early found a home, in which for centuries to come the philosopher, no longer a wanderer, may meet the man of kindred turn of mind—an asylum where united work may strengthen the researches otherwise lost, perhaps, where example may arouse the unconscious talent to intellectual activity, and where the bond of science will connect all its disciples here in an harmonious ind powerful communion.

With the emotions of pride and pleasure which we experience in inaugurating on this occasion the new and hopeful phasis of our Institute, are mingled feelings of deep gratitude to those who, in a spirit of enlightened liberality, have endowed us with the means of raising this edifice.

Calmly contemplating our new position, we feel that, the advantages can hardly be over estimated wliicii the possession of this building, even unfinished as it is, at once confers. May we not daily assemble here for the promotion of mutual knowledge by social intercourse? Shall we not henceforth find available all those literary contributions which, as tokens of adoption of brotherhood, we have received from other scientific unions, and find the sources of deligiitful information in those treasures of discoveries and theories, directing perhaps our thoughts in channels of research formerly untraversed? Whilst thus all the newest achievements of science are early brought within our reachm the horizon of observation with increasing clearness will extend around us, and the grain, sown by a stranger's hand, bear here perhaps its harvest.

Royal Society of Victoria