And as the leader to this ideal, stands before us Humboldt—the Aristotle of this century. He stands before us as the type of sterling nobility, great as a man through his philanthropic modesty, a genius of universal knowledge, the brightest ornament and highest ruler of the world of science. With the light of this leading star we are entering this new promising epoch.

The present age is also characterised by a much more complete ascendancy, which science is gaining over almost every branch of industry, of which she has become the benefactor and the guardian. Does not, therefore, a sphere of unlimited utility lie here before us?—here, where the field for active life is so extensive, and where the laborers of science are so few? Our means are great; may we wisely use them! And may the value of our work be measured by its influence on the welfare of this country! Under such anticipations we accept this hall, entrusted to us as a possession in which science should reap its never-failing harvest.

Let us leave it as a heritage to our successors, conscious of having deserved the gift—of having responded to the onfidence by which the rulers of this country have patronised all our designs. May the tempest of discord never re-echo from these walls! May every word resounding here be one expressive of friendly feelings, of philosophic thoughts, of elevated inspiration for all that is noble; and, in aiming to fulfil the destiny for which we here are called, may our symbols be "Concord and Progress!"

Royal Society of Victoria