2 
Introductory Paper. 
interest in their proceedings, and contributed in no small 
degree, by his zealous co-operation and advice, to the 
publication of this Journal. 
At these Meetings it has been usual for one of the 
members to read a paper upon some scientific subject, 
which has afterwards been made the theme of conversa¬ 
tion and friendly discussion. It is the papers read upon 
these occasions which have supplied materials for the 
present Journal, which, parvis componere magna , may 
therefore be regarded as the “ Transactions ” of the 
infant Philosophical Society of Tasmania. Its members, 
however, would not be understood as holding forth pre¬ 
tensions to the ambitious appellation of philosophers , in 
the modern acceptation of the term. On the contrary, 
they are deeply sensible that, in matters of science, they 
are rather to be estimated by the sincerity and fondness 
of their attachment, than either the strength of their 
powers, or the extent of their actual attainments. Most 
of them are actively engaged in professional and other 
necessary duties, which render it impossible for them to 
give more than a very limited share of their attention to 
scientific pursuits; and all of them labour under the 
great disadvantage of a wide separation from the philo¬ 
sophical institutions and men of science in Europe.— 
Living in this new and remote quarter of the world, 
where there is so much to awaken curiosity, they were 
naturally led, by the very novelty of the objects, as well 
as for the sake of their own mental improvement, to 
devote their few leisure moments to the study of external 
nature. And in coining thus broadly before the Public, 
their object has principally been, besides stimulating and 
giving method and scope to their own exertions, to excite 
nnd cherish a kindred spirit of inquiry among their 
fellow-colonists. Under the conviction that they are 
now living at the fountain-head of what promises, ere 
