INTERNATIONAL CATALOGUE OF SCIENTIFIC LITERATURE 827 
seventeen years of the last century are not yet within the reach of 
enquirers, though work is being done to bridge over the interval. 
It is certainly unfortunate that a period so prolific of results should 
not be recorded in a way comparable with the preceding years of 
the century. 
issue of its volumes and the close of the period embraced by them. 
The Council felt that the desired result could only be achieved by 
some form of international co-operation. that end conferences 
were arranged, which met in London in 1896, 1898, and 1900, 
grappled with, and finally a scheme was framed, which receive 
the approval of the delegates; regional bureaux were established 
having direct relation with the central bureau in London; in- 
structions to these regional bureaux were issued, and work was to 
be started with the first day of January, 1901. 
Seventeen yearly volumes in all are to be issued, ranging over 
the extent of subjects embraced by the Royal Society, and a sub- 
scription of as many pounds sterling will ensure the delivery of the 
whole of the seventeen volumes on publication. Besides those 
academies and institutions which are willing to subscribe for all, 
there are many more whose activities are confined to 
a 
the disposition of private workers. To take one instance: Mat 
matics or Astronomy are obviously out of place in the library of 
the Linnean Society, which will subscribe for six sections, cognate 
to its work, 5 
The volume now before us, completed as to manuscript in 
January, was ready in May, the date printed on its wrapper and 
title-page; but it was considered advisable to keep it back till 
another companion volume should be ready to accompany it; 
other countries sent nothing within the limit of time. This omission 
1s to be made good in the second part, which it is intended shall be 
put into the printer’s bands within the next few months, 
