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Abstract

The Vice-President (the Hon. Sir James Wilson Agnew, K.C.M.G.
M.D., M.F.C.), in the chair.
The first monthly meeting of the Royal Society of Tasmania for the
1896 session was held in one of the art galleries of the Museum on Thursday, May 28th.
The Vice-President (Sir James Agnew) expressed his pleasure at
seeing such a large attendance, and thought it augured well for the
support that would be given during the session. Like all other institutions,
the Royal Society had suffered by the financial depression,
but which he hoped and believed was now passing away. He was,
at any rate, glad to say that some who had temporarily left the society
had resumed their allegiance, and it was hoped that, in addition,
a number of new recruits would be secured during the present session.
He felt that many more in the community might, and should, with
advantage, join the society. Much of the hesitation in doing so,
which unfortunately existed, was groundless. There seemed to be an
impression abroad that only subjects in the more severe walks of science
were discussed ; but as all who belonged to the society could testify,
any subject appertaining to the good weal of the community was open
to consideration, and that fact should result in more support being
secured. For instance, that evening the first paper to be read would
have reference to the health of the community. It was a subject
that had been before them on more than one occasion, it being
regarded as one of the very first importance. If it could be shown,
as he believed Mr. Johnston in his paper would do, that the health of
this metropolis and the salubrity of the colony generally was not to
be surpassed in the world, the establishing of the fact must prove one
of considerable importance financially and otherwise to the colony.
If that be so, if its great salubrity was so established, Hobart might be
chosen as the federal capital of the Australias. If the society, through
Mr. Johnston, as one of its members, spread the truth as to the
healthiness of Hobart, it would deserve well of the public of Tasmania.
They were brought into contact with institutions throughout the
scientific world by the exchange of publications. There were five
new members to be balloted for, namely, Mrs, Agnes Kenyon, of
Melbourne ; Dr. Arthur Clarke ; Mr. W. H. Twelvetrees, F.G.S., of
Launceston, who would prove a most valuable working member ; Dr.
G. Crosby Walch, and Dr. Gregory Sprott, the City Officer of Health.

Item Type:	Article
Authors/Creators:	Royal Society of Tasmania
Keywords:	Royal Society of Tasmania, Van Diemens Land, VDL, Hobart Town, natural sciences, proceedings, records
Journal or Publication Title:	Papers & Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania
Collections:	Royal Society Collection > Papers & Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania
Additional Information:	In 1843 the Horticultural and Botanical Society of Van Diemen's Land was founded and became the Royal Society of Van Diemen's Land for Horticulture, Botany, and the Advancement of Science in 1844. In 1855 its name changed to Royal Society of Tasmania for Horticulture, Botany, and the Advancement of Science. In 1911 the name was shortened to Royal Society of Tasmania.
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