VI. ABSTRACT OF PROCEEDINGS. 



this time he has held office as Hon. Treasurer, as Vice- 

 President, and as President for more than one period. 

 Mr. Russell read his first paper, entitled "Remarks on 

 Tables for Calculating the Humidity of the Air," before 

 the Society on December 8th, 1869, and contributed 69 

 papers in all ; these are, of course, irrespective of 

 numerous contributions to other societies, and of official 

 papers and reports. Apart from the support he gave this 

 Society by contributing the valuable papers referred to, he 

 was always ready and willing to help in other ways, 

 especially when there was a shortage of papers to read at 

 our meetings; under such circumstances he would prepare 

 some exhibit, experiments or note upon some scientific 

 novelty, often at very short notice and at much incon- 

 venience to himself. Not only did he freely give his time 

 to this Society, but also to other institutions and societies, 

 such as the University, the Board of Technical Education 

 (of which he was Chairman for some years), and the 

 Australasian Association for the Advancement of Science. 

 His disposition was generous, kindly and sympathetic, and 

 his wise, sound and experienced judgment was always at 

 the disposal of this and kindred societies. His official 

 work was of the greatest benefit to the public, the value 

 of some of it is well known and appreciated, especially by 

 pastoralists and the commanders of vessels. He was a 

 most conscientious and devoted public servant ; had he 

 been less devoted to his work, and taken more relaxation 

 from the very exacting duties of his position as Govern- 

 ment Astronomer, he would probably have been with us 

 still. By his death this Society and the Australasian 

 Association for the Advancement of Science have lost one 

 of their most capable, valuable and hard-working members; 

 the University one of its most useful and distinguished 

 graduates ; and Australia one of its most eminent sons, 



