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of leisured intellectual people very few. As might have been 

 expected, it soon began to decline. 



In 1847 a rival arose, with a freer and more democratic 

 constitution. The latter was known 'as the Mechanics' Insti- 

 tute, and appears to have had no connection with the former 

 society which bore the same name. 



The rivalry which existed between these two bodies was 

 not of a healthy character, and did not tend to promote the 

 success of either. It meant the support by a not very wealthy 

 community of two institutions instead of one, and it soon 

 became evident, that unless they could in some way combine 

 their efforts and resources, both were doomed. 



The Mechanics' Institute was the first to make overtures 

 for a coalition, but these were coldly received by its rival. 

 AVhen, however, these overtures were backed by a promise of 

 two substantial donations of .£100 each from wealthy citizens, 

 the proposal was more favourably considered, and, after much 

 parleying, a junction was effected. 



Thus was born, in 1848, "The South Australian Library 

 and Mechanics' Institute." Reorganization, however, did 

 not prove a panacea for the troubles which had so constantly 

 dogged the steps of these various institutions. The amal- 

 gamated society showed blit short-lived virility. It shifted 

 from Peacock's Buildings, in ITindley Street, to a more central 

 position in Green's Exchange, a site now occupied by the 

 Australian Mutual Provident Society. In a very few years, 

 owing to mismanagement and other causes, it was in financial 

 difficulties. Contrary to expectations, however, it did not 

 expire from inanition, as its predecessors had done, but 

 suddenly gave birth to a lusty infant, which was to become 

 ciiief partner in a body corporate, with the Philosophical 

 Society as a junior member. This influential partnership 

 lasted for a quarter of a century, when it was dissolved by the 

 Public Library Act of 1884. 



It is hardly necessary to inform you that this infant was 

 the South Australian Institute. 



3. The Adelaide Philosophical Society. 



(a) Historical Records. 



The early struggles and activities of the Adelaide Philo- 

 sophical Society are recorded in its Annual Reports, in the 

 newspapers of the day, and in certain documents recently 

 transferred by our Society to the Archives Department of the 

 Public Library. 



