for the year 1884. xv 



has recently been appointed public analyst for the city of 

 Melbourne. 



KINDRED SOCIETIES. 



Of the varied kindred societies, I think I may with con- 

 fidence state that their progress has been pari 'passu with 

 our own. The medical societies, the Microscopic Society, 

 the Field Naturalists' Club, and the Pharmaceutical Society 

 are all in a vigorous and healthy state. With regard to the 

 latter, it is gratifying to see it has permanently established 

 the much-needed College of Pharmacy in Melbourne, where 

 the art will be taught on a basis commensurate with the 

 requirements of modern chemistry and other sciences ; and 

 I am glad to say that only a few days ago the Council of our 

 University agreed to accept the certificates of the College as 

 a proof of the proper training of our medical students in 

 this most indispensable branch of medical knowledge. The 

 College presents a means of gaining a thorough knowledge 

 of the art and science of pharmac}^, which hitherto has not 

 existed in the Australian colonies. The Field Naturalists' 

 Club, although the most youthful, is perhaps the most 

 vigorous of the societies. It now numbers nearly two 

 hundred members ; forty new members have joined the 

 ranks during the last few months, and, mirabile dicta, six 

 are ladies. This is a good sign ; for considering the attrac- 

 tions offered in the practical study of the sciences embraced 

 by the club, we may reasonably hope the six lady members 

 will soon become sixty — not in age, but in numbers. The 

 Schools of Mines at Ballarat and Sandhurst are as pros- 

 perous and vigorous as ever, and are fulfilling their functions 

 admirably in our two principal rural cities. In view of the 

 vigorous administration of the Ballarat School, the excellent 

 class of work and teaching it has established, and the desire 

 to extend its functions wherever it may be of use to the 

 locality or community at large, we are led to hope it will 

 soon become a most important school, and centre of art, 

 science, and industry. 



A 2 



