8 Opening Address. 



plying the means of the Philosophical Society to the compilation 

 of a history of the aborigines of New South "Wales before they 

 became extinct. It is to be hoped that the time will ere long 

 arrive when this society will be in a position to assist, not only in 

 such a work as this, but in the systematic organization of scientific 

 expeditions ; and also be able to award medals to inventors, and 

 the authors of valuable original treatises. 



That the Philosophical Society of New South "Wales was for 

 some time in a languishing condition there can be no doubt. 

 Many seemed to be misled by its apparently exclusive title, and 

 this was one reason for placing ourselves under the Royal Arms. 

 But, 



" What's in a name ? That which we call a rose, 

 By any other name would smell as sweet." 

 And so the title " Philosophical Society" might, to many, smell 

 as sweet as the one now adopted ; but unhappily the former did 

 not continue to serve us, and so languishing had the society be- 

 come a few years ago, that I believe one of our members, and a 

 valuable one too, jocosely proposed that we should wind up by 

 selling our debentures, and giving a grand picnic with the proceeds. 



However, we have changed our name, and adopted that of simi- 

 lar societies in Grreat Britain, and the adjacent colonies, and I am 

 happy to say we are exhibiting signs of fresh vitality. 



But even the Philosophical Society was for many years emi- 

 nently useful and instructive, and every one who looks at the list 

 of papers read before it, must be struck with the wide range of 

 subjects embraced, especially those of practical importance ; many 

 that might be listened to and understood by any one present, and 

 all showing that there is amongst us no want of zeal, talent, and 

 energy. 



An occasion like the present should not be passed over without 

 an expression of hope that in future, ladies will not only grace 

 with their presence the conversaziones of this society, but will 

 sometimes attend the ordinary meetings. 



It is no uncommon thing in London, to find a very fair pro- 

 portion of ladies at the meetings of the Geographical and Geolo- 

 gical Societies, as well as in the theatre of the Royal Institution. 



Without wishing to pay fulsome compliments it may be asserted 

 that in general, ladies are neither uninterested nor inappreciative 



