BY ROBERT L. JACK, F.G.S., F.R.G.S. Xlll 



than the first idea which led up to the modern developments of 

 any given science. 



This Society exists for the cultivation of pure science. We 

 reckon no enquiry frivolous which has for its aim the elucidation 

 of the methods of Nature. We endeavour to observe correctly 

 and record faithfully, and we believe that facts so observed and 

 recorded will have their value in time to come even if we do 

 not see their immediate bearing or usefulness. We believe that 

 no observation on the phenomena of nature, and 'no attempt to 

 explain such phenomena, can be fruitless, although the fruit 

 may indeed not be gathered by the sower of the seed or even by 

 his children's children. 



In older and larger communities the work of such societies 

 as ours inevitably becomes subdivided. Geological, chemical, 

 zoological, or botanical societies may be instituted to pursue 

 definite lines of enquiry, as special tools must be devised for 

 particular branches of handicraft. The process has begun in 

 Australia and we welcome the addition to the working forces of 

 science. At the same time, in a young community like ours, 

 there is such a distinct advantage to be gained from the union 

 of forces that I venture to hint at the danger of over-differenti- 

 ation. The geological member of the Society may profit by 

 listening to the engineer, the chemist to the botanist, and so on, 

 ad injinitum, ; and it is doubtful whether, until there is a larger 

 class endowed with leisure and means for scientific pursuits, any 

 better method of mutual instruction and encouragement could 

 be devised than that offered by a united society. 



In a few days the Australasian Association, which may be 

 regarded as a federal council of the scientific workers of these 

 colonies, will assemble in Brisbane. The meeting, I trust, will 

 impress upon the community the usefulness of science more 

 powerfully than argument or illustration. We look hopefully 

 for better times and a more thorough mastery of the forces of 

 Nature through a wider acquaintance with her laws ; and, as 

 the greatest of modern philosophers has told us, in language 

 destined to outlive " marble and the gilded monuments of 

 princes," that " There is no darkness but ignorance," we claim 

 as the logical converse that all knowledge is light. 



