PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS. 15 
It is, however, very gratifying, under the circumstances, 
and with our comparatively limited population, that our 
meetings are as well attended and successful as they are. 
INTERNATIONAL CATALOGUE OF SCIENTIFIC LITERATURE. 
An International Conference was held in London in 1896, 
from July 14th to 17th inclusive, for the purpose of 
arranging for an International Catalogue of Scientific 
Literature, which was attended by representatives nominated 
by the Governments of most European countries, as well as 
by those of America, Japan, Mexico, India, and the 
Colonies. I had the privilege of attending this Conference, 
first as one of the representatives of the Royal Society of 
London, and afterwards as the representative of the New 
South Wales Government. 
The work intrusted to it is of a most important character, 
and if carried to a successful issue will be of the utmost 
benefit to workers in every branch of science, and one of 
the greatest possible aids to its advancement. 
In 1864 the Royal Society commenced its Catalogue of 
Scientific Papers, arranged according to the names of the 
authors, and it has now by the aid of Government grants 
published eleven bulky volumes; it is found, however, that 
a catalogue according to subjects is of even greater necessity; 
but such an undertaking is beyond the power of any one 
society or even country, hence the necessity for international 
co-operation. 
A committee was appointed by the Royal Society in 1893 
to communicate with societies and institutions at home and 
abroad with reference to the preparation, by international 
co-operation, of complete catalogues of scientific literature, 
arranged both according to subjects and authors. 
A circular letter approved by the President and Council 
was sent to 207 societies and institutions, and to the 
Directors of Observatories and of Government Geological 
Surveys, and a special letter was sent to the Smithsonian , 
Institute. 
