Opening Address. 7 



highest point of perfection in mechanical art, its political great- 

 ness declines — but we have yet to see this ill omen verified ; and, 

 if it should be so, most assuredly other nations, sprung from the 

 parent tree, will rise up to take their part in the regeneration of 

 the world. 



It is with some such ideas as these that I endeavour to impress 

 upon this assembly the advantages of the Royal Society of New 

 South "Wales. 



The society needs no defence, and my object is to explain its 

 object and advantages, rather than defend an institution which 

 requires no defence. The Royal Society does not wish to arro- 

 gate to itself any undue importance, but it earnestly desires to be 

 instrumental in drawing forth the resources of the colony, and 

 carry out the motto, "Advance Australia." We would gladly 

 receive amongst us professors or students of any branch of know- 

 ledge admissible for discussion. The theoretical man and prac- 

 tical man are equally welcome. And though we desire to have 

 those who will take an active, lively part in our work, yet are we 

 glad to receive others who may take but an occasional interest in 

 the subjects brought before us. They may not be prepared to 

 read papers, or be punctual in their attendance, but they may 

 often do good service by bringing forward some fact or suggestion 

 which may not have occurred to others. 



I venture now to draw attention to some of the ways in which 

 this Royal Society may be applied to considerable public advan- 

 tage. It might render good service to any Government of the 

 day, by being a Board of reference to discuss and report upon 

 questions of the greatest practical importance — the number of 

 which is continually increasing. Perhaps some good might have 

 resulted if there had been referred to them such subjects as the 

 water supply of Sydney, — the best means for ensuring health in 

 this populous, but badly drained city, — the preservation of its 

 magnificent harbour by preventing it from being silted in, as it 

 now is ; destroying some of its natural beauty, and impeding the 

 progress of commerce. 



I may observe also that the disease in fruit trees, and Mr. 

 Mort's freezing apparatus, would have been interesting and useful 

 subjects for discussion. 



The late Mr. Justice "Wise pointed out the importance of ap- 



