- 38 PRESIDENTS ADDRESS. 
The objects of the British Association are as set forth as follows, 
and the proposed Australasian Association would probably do well 
to try and follow the same lines:—“The Association contemplates 
no interference with the ground occupied by other institutions. 
Its objects are—to give a stronger impulse and a more systematic 
direction to scientific inquiry—to promote the intercourse of those 
who cultivate science in different parts of the British Empire, with 
one another and with foreign philosophers—to obtain a more 
general attention to the objects of science, and a removal of any 
disadvantages of a public kind which impedes its progress.” 
Amongst its rules which might also be adopted are these—I 
have modified them to suit our circumstances :— . 
All persons who have attended the first meeting shali be entitled 
to become members of the Association upon agreeing to conform 
to its rules. 
The Officers, Members of Council, Fellows, and Members of 
Literary and Philosophical Societies, publishing Transactions or 
Journals in the British Empire, shall be entitled in like manner 
to become members of the Association. Persons not belonging 
to such Institutions shall be elected by the General Committee 
or Council to become life members of the Association, annual 
subscribers, or associates for the year, subject to the approval of 
a general meeting. 
All members who have paid their pabaeeiptiotie shall be onctled 
to receive the publication of the Association gratis. 
The Association shall meet for one week or longer. The place 
of meeting shall be appointed by the General Committee two years 
in advance. 
The first meeting of the British Association was held in 1831, 
and it was attended by 353 members, since that date the numbers 
have increased very largely, and close upon 3,000 members and 
associates have been present at the later meetings, and even at 
the Montreal meeting the number was 1,777 ; of which 235 were 
old life members, 20 new life members, 317 old annual members, 
219 new annual members, 826 associates (i. e. members for the 
