30 The Australasian Scientific Magazine. [August i, 1885. 
An interesting letter was received from Mr. James B. Walker, of Hobart, 
stating, “ That he has been for some time desirous of forming a Tasmanian 
Historical Society, so that some systematic efforts might be made to collect 
and preserve materials for our history, which, failing some such means, are 
likely to be irretrievably lost. Since hearing of the Historical Society of 
Australasia, it has struck me that, if our means permit, it would be pre- 
ferable to establish a Tasmanian branch of your Society. It is possible 
that documents relating to the early days of Australasia might be discussed 
against private records, and that in other ways we in Tasmania might be 
able to assist you in your work.” The Honorary Secretary informed the 
meeting that he had written to Mr. Walker thanking him for his letter, 
and sending him a copy of the Constitution of the Society, as well as other 
useful hints for the foundation of a Tasmanian Branch. 
The following is a complete list of the office bearers : — President, David 
Blair ; Vice-Presidents, A. J. Skene, M.A., Professor Elkington, LL.B., 
M.A. ; Council, A. C. Macdonald, James Blackburn, C.E., Alex. Sutherland, 
M.A., James Smith, C. E. Clarke, James Larnach, Joshua Lake, M.A., 
George Mackay, LL.D. Ex officio : — R. T. Litton, F.N.S. ; C. L. P. Chase. 
Honorary Treasurer, C. L. P. Chase ; Honorary Librarian, Arthur E. 
Clarke ; Honorary Auditors, Alex. Porter, J. S. Jenkins, C.E. ; Honorary 
Secretary, R. T. Litton, F.N.S, This Society was founded in the month 
of March, 1885, by Mr. R. T. Litton, F.N.S. — and it now numbers some 
sixty members. 
The Medical Students* Society. 
A meeting of the Medical Students 7 Society was held on Thursday 
evening, 9th July, at the Melbourne Hospital. Dr. Williams was in the 
chair. About forty members were present, and seven new members were 
elected. It was agreed to write to the committee of the Melbourne 
Hospital, and urge them to establish a special department for the treat- 
ment of skin diseases, and any other special departments possible. Atten- 
tion was drawn to the fact that up to the present time nothing had been 
done by the medical profession in this city with regard to the study of 
skin diseases, and that although there were numbers of interesting cases 
scattered amongst the out-patients of the Melbourne Hospital, no attempt 
had been made either to establish a special hospital or ward, where these 
cases could be studied collectively. 
Mr. W. A. Wood read a paper on phthisis, or consumption. Com- 
mencing with a definition of the disease, he enumerated the varieties, and 
dwelt for some time on its aetiology. In considering the hereditary nature 
of the disease, he denied the possibility of a child directly inheriting the 
disease from its parents, although a constitutional weakness and a conse- 
quent predisposition was often handed from parent to offspring. In regard 
to treatment, great stress was laid on prophylaxis in all persons who are 
predisposed to this affection, and fresh air was recommended as being by 
far the most beneficial agent the physician could recommend. 
The fortnightly meeting of the Medical Students’ Society was held on 
Thursday, the 23rd July, at the Melbourne Hospital, about twenty 
members being present, Dr. Moore in the chair. 
