1880.] Report on Scientific Societies . 493 
With regard to the realisation of these several projects, 
I believe that the British Association might well take the 
initiative in respedt of the first , or the formation and issuing 
of the contributions ; while the second , relating to the col- 
lection and publication of the Archives, might be carried on 
under the auspices of the Royal Society. The composition 
and editing of the Bulletins and Journal, finally , should form 
part of the duties of the Royal College. The expense en- 
tailed by these publications, in so far as it may not be 
covered by their sale, should be borne by the corporations 
mentioned and the chartered societies jointly, or eventually 
by the State, as is done in the case of certain publications 
now issued in the interests of history. The universities 
also might help by lending the aid of their presses. 
Should the suggestions here made be adopted and added 
on, England would confer benefits on science and scientific 
men all over the world ; but at the same time it would set 
an example which other countries would be sure to follow, 
and would start enterprises in the costs and glory of which 
other nations, no doubt, would hasten to share, if the 
stimulus were once given. Actually, international societies 
have been formed for various purposes, some even for striddly 
scientific objedds — as in the case of the International Asso- 
ciation of Astronomers ; and there is no reason why those 
beneficial institutions should not be extended and more 
largely adapted to science, so as to make all nations work, 
either by congresses, conferences, or associations, for objedds 
which are common to them all. 
In conclusion, I will only state that, of the various pro- 
posals made in these letters, those above developed I have 
perhaps most maturely considered, and with their importance 
I am most deeply impressed, as they have engaged my 
attention and thoughts earliest and oftenest. Without a 
knowledge of previous researches, as you said last year at 
Exeter, “ there is always the risk that a scientific man may 
spend his strength in doing over again what has been done 
already, whereas with better direction the same expenditure 
of time and labour might have resulted in some substantial 
addition to our knowledge.” And, if it be the primary objedt 
of Science to seek and to find out truth, to preserve and 
rescue truth from oblivion is to her progress of no less vital 
importance, as all must agree. 
Mentioning, finally, for your information, that my next 
letter will be the last of the series, 
I remain, my dear sir, 
Yours very sincerely, 
Prof. Stokes, Sec. R.S. C. K. Akin. 
(To be continued.) 
