146 The Australasian Scientific Magazine. [Nov. 1, 1885. 
illuminant it really should have none, for it was the only illuminant that 
was unobjectionable from a sanitary point of view. The great question of 
water conservation still engaged earnest attention. It was to be hoped 
that in this direction our engineers would hasten slowly, and that the 
inception of a general irrigation system would not be characterised by the 
mistakes, disasters, and waste of money that had accompanied some of 
our domestic and mining schemes of water supply in days past. The 
systematic gauging of our principal streams was also a work that could be 
spoken of with unhesitating commendation. What could be more replete 
with the highest enjoyment, upon what could they look back with greater 
satisfaction, than a life spent in the search after truth, in combatting 
error, and aiding the material and intellectual well-being of their fellow 
men. 
PAPERS. 
Mr. R. L. J. Ellery gave some notes concerning the planet Jupiter, 
illustrated by magic lantern photographs. 
Dr. Jamieson delivered an address upon the subject of “ Condensed and 
Prepared Foods.” 
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY OF AUSTRALASIA. 
The ordinary monthly meeting of the Bibliographical Society of 
Australasia was held at Mr. Robert T. Litton’s offices, Phoenix Chambers 
Market-street, on Monday the 26th of October, 1885. Mr. R. T. Litton 
F.N.S. etc., in the chair. The hon. sec. read the resolution, passed by 
Bibliographical Society of Australasia at its last meeting, “ That the 
members of the Bibliographical Society be admitted as members of the 
Historical Society.” This question was put to the meeting, and it was 
unanimously resolved that they should amalgamate with the Historical 
Society. The following gentlemen were elected honorary members : — 
The Hon. Ed. F. Litton, Q.C. etc., Col. Ed. Brooke, R.E., of Dublin, 
William Leathean, F.N.S., of Natal. Mr. Robert T. Litton, F.N.S. etc., 
was unanimously elected a life member, for his valuable services rendered 
for the foundation and advancement of this society. It was also resolved 
that the society recognises and supports the Australasian Scientific 
Magazine as their official organ. 
HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF AUSTRALASIA. 
The ordinary monthly meeting of the Historical Society of Australasia was 
held at their office, Phoenix Chambers, Market-street, on the 9th of 
October, 1885. Mr. David Blair, the president, in the chair. There 
was also present : — Messrs. Blackburn, Larnach, Bride, Macdonald, 
Elkington, Litton, and Thomson. Alter a lengthy discussion, it was 
unanimously resolved “ That the members of the Bibliographical Society 
