X. ABSTRACT OF PROCEEDINGS. 



chemistry depended upon considerations of a theoretical nature. 

 The influence of chemistry on therapeutics was indicated, and it 

 was shewn that the knowledge of the mode in which the atoms 

 were united in a molecule had enabled the therapeutical properties 

 of substances to be predicted with some degree of confidence. 



The part science has taken in the national development of 

 Germany and of its industries, was adverted to, and it was urged 

 that the similar stimulation of intellectual and scientific effort was 

 needed, if this country is to occupy an honourable place among the 

 centres of intellectual activity. The necessities of the University, 

 of its science schools, its library, and of the scientific libraries of 

 the colony were referred to. The nuclei of splendid libraries, an 

 absolute necessity to the scientific worker, already exist. The 

 great International Scientific Catalogue is the outcome of the 

 realization of this necessity, that catalogue will prevent any worker 

 being ignorant of what has been done. It must be supplemented 

 however, by the actual records of scientific investigations. Owing 

 to munificent state and private benefactions, the American insti- 

 tutions of learning are rapidly completing their libraries and 

 exhausting the market of sets of scientific periodicals, and the 

 opportunity of properly completing the great series of scientific 

 journals here is rapidly passing away never to return. The time 

 for action is now, but the means are not available. The Royal 

 Society itself has spent during the last twenty years .£4,704 on 

 the purchase of books and periodicals, and during the last twelve 

 years .£3,602 in publishing its Journal, which not only gives a 

 record of the scientific work done here, but also brings exchanges, 

 the money value of which is greater than what is purchased. 



The duty of placing our wants clearly before the community 

 was accentuated, and the belief was expressed that the generous 

 example of men of affluence in America and elsewhere, would not 

 be without parallel in this Colony. It was not that our wealthy 

 citizens, and the State, were less generous, but we had not dis- 

 charged our duty to science in letting them really understand our 

 wants. To do this was a solemn duty cast upon those who realize 



