XIV Proceedings. 
the society, held on the 9th of January last, when it was resolved 
that the correspondence with reference to the amalgamation of the 
Victorian Institute with the Philosophical Society, when complete, 
be laid before a special general meeting for their consideration, 
called on the Secretary to read the correspondence referred to. 
After the correspondence had been read, Mr. S. Wekey, the Hon. 
Secretary, laid before the meeting the statements having reference to 
the comparative relation of the two societies. He said, that according 
to the report of the Victorian Institute read before a half-yearly 
meeting held on Thursday, 8th March, 1855, it was stated that the 
Victorian Institute had a balance in hand of £68 9s. 8d, ; while the 
Philosophical Society at the same time had available funds from 
members’ subscriptions to the amount of £170, which, in case of 
an amalgamation, will leave, in favour of the Victorian Institute, 
£100. 
At a meeting of the Victorian Institute, held on the 8th of March 
it was reported, that up to that date six papers had been read, while 
on the other hand, the Philosophical Society, during the same period 
of time, had received seventeen papers, which, in case of an 
amalgamation, would leave in their favour eleven papers. 
As to the officers of the Victorian Institute, an amalgamation 
de facto has already taken place, since the President of the Insti- 
tute, with several members of the council, are now actually mem- 
bers of the Philosophical Society; and, although this society had 
no opportunity as yet to open a wider field, for the exertions and 
attainments of those who, previously members of the Victorian 
Institute have afterwards jomed the Philosophical Society, as far as 
he can judge, the members of the Society are anxiously waiting 
for the first opportunity, at the next anniversary meeting, to be 
held in August, to invite the co-operation of some of them to occupy 
such a post in the society as will give them an opportunity of 
exerting themselves in behalf of the interests of the society, 
as well as the advancement of science in Victoria. 
As to the annual subscription, there is some difference between 
the Victorian Institute and the Philosophical Society. The entrance 
fee and the subscription to the Philosophical Society is considered 
by some high; but although in one instance its reduction was con- 
templated, the council did not deem it expedient to reduce the 
same. 
A discussion on the subject then took place, and on account of 
the small attendance the meeting was adjourned, and the subject 
referred to the next monthly meeting of the society. 
