SCIENCE CONGRESS.

Evening Star, Issue 8730, 23 January 1892, Page 1

SCIENCE CONGRESS.

[Fbom Oub Sfkcial Reporter]

llgba.bt, January 7. The fourth meeting of the Australasian Association for the Advancement of Science opened at 11 a.m. to-day. The General Council assembled in the Royal Society's rooms at the Museum, among those present being the Governors of Tasmania (Sir R. Hamilton) and Queensland (Sir H. Normao). The chair was occupied by Baron Vcn Mueller, K.C.M.G.

Mr Rogera-Ayton wrote congratulating the Association upon their success in having the name of "The Tasman Sea" given to th&t part cf the Pacific Ocean lying towards and beyond New Zealand. He ulso urged upon the Association the advisableness of having the name "New Zealand" changed to " New Sealand."

The following presidents of sections were appointed :—A : Mathematics, Physics, at.d Mechanics, Professor Bragg, M. A., Professor of Mathematics at the University of Adelaide. B: Chemistry and Mineralogy, Mr W. Hamlet, F.G.S., F.1.C., Government Analyst of New South Wales. C: Geology and Paleontology, Mr T. Divid, Professor of Geology at the University of Sydney. D : Biology, Mr W. B. Spencer, M.A., Professor of Biology at the Melbourne University. E: Geography, Captain D, Pasco, KN. F : Economic and Social Science and Statistics, Mr R. Teece, F LA., Actuary to the Australian Mutual Provident Bociety, Sydney. G : Anthropology, Rev. Lorimer Fieon, whose work in the mission fields in the South Seas and in literature is wel! known. H: Sanitary Science and Hygiene, Mr W. H. Warren, M.1.C.E., Professor of Engineering at the University of Sydney. I: Literature and the Fine Arts, Professor E. E. Morris, M.A., Professor of English, French, and German languages and literature at the Melbcurne University. J : Architecture and engineering, Mr C. Napier Bell, C.E., of New Zealand. During the afternoon Lady Hamilton gave a garden party at Government House. There was a brilliant assembly, over GOO invitations having been accepted. Among those present were the Ministers of the Crown and the judges. The Mayor of Hobart (Alderman Reynold*) formally welcomed the visiting members of the Association. A cordial vote of thanks was passed to the retiring president.

THE PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS.

Sir Robert Hamilton, K.C.8., LL.D., delivered the inaugural address, and heartily welcomed the members to the fourth annual session of the Asecciation, which was the most important gathering of the kinoVever held in Australia. He had succeeded in arranging with Mr Robert Giffen, C.8,, one of the highest living authorities on statietical and economic science to visit Tasmania. When economic problems were pressing for solution there never was a time when a dear perception of economic truths had been more necestary than now. While en the one hand there could be no adjustment of these problems based upon selfishness and individual aggrandisement, or which did not recognise duties as well as rights, on the other there was no Email danger that an unwise acceptance of some of the more advanced of socialistic views might lead to the motives of human energy and exertion being so leEsend as to materially interfere, for a time at least, with the progress and advance of the human race. He was not one of those who apprehended catastrophe arising in the iLevitablr; devdcprr.ent cf a new industrial and social system, but any catastrophe that might occur would be due to want of knowledge, and not, »:. oonoc t^ r> from the prevalence of a spirit of anarchy. But a wiuer anil eoumiei knowledge of economic truthß would not only lead to a satisfactory solution of existing social difficulties, but tend to develop conditions under which culture would be brought more within the reach of all. He had entertained hopes of a visit by Professor Huxley, but the state of his health had prevented his coming cut. Sir Robert Ball, Astronomer Royal of Ireland, was also ucavoidably prevented from attending, though he had Bent a paper on * The astronomical explanation of a glacial period,' and an interesting letter had been received from Sir Lyon Playfair. He (the president) had proposed to select as the subject of his address the rise and operations of the scientific societies of Australasia, but he found that he could not do justice to it within the limits of an inaugural address, and he had therefore abandoned the idea, though he had collected a large amount of valuable information, chit fly statistical, which he had handed over to the secretary, Professor Liversidge, ia the hope that a history wou'd be compiled. The piper had therefore been restricted to 'i\itrmn'a, whoee experience

in this cause of scienee was more or

1.-gB typical of the ether Australasian colonies. The subject chosen was 'Promoting the intercourse of those who cultivate science in different parts of the Australasian colonies with one another.' It was not unworthy of this great meeting that they should turn their *yes back to tne times when the diflteulties attending the prosecution of science in these colonies were infinitely greater than at present—when th«re were scarcely any libraries and but few books available, when the dietance from the European centres of thoughtwas not bridged over by steam and electricity, when few men had leisure, and the population was not a tithe of its present number. But even. in those days there were men in these colonieß who, in moments snatched from avocations not unfrequently involving manual labor, devoted their be3t powers to scientific observation and investigation. In Tasmania there was at present the Rryal Society of Tasmania and the Natural Science Society of Launceston, of which they bad hopes, though it was yet in its infancy. This had its origin in the days of Sir John Franklin, who was Governor of Tasmania from 1836 to 1843, and had in the Investigator been employed in exploring the coaßts of Australia. In 1838 he founded a society which met under his außpiceß at Government House, and this, called the Tatmanian Society, was the forerunner of the Royal Society. Sir John Franklin's colleagues in the Tasmanian Society enjoyed little leisure for scientific pureuitp, and, as shown in a paper by the Rev. Dr Liilie, in the first volame of the ' Tasmanian Journal,' published in 1842, most of the membera were engaged in professional or other pursuits, and their object was, while giving method and scope to their own exertions in the cause of science, to incite a kindred spirit of inquiry among their feliowcolonists. Dr Liilie, who w*a born and educated in Scotland, came to Tasmania in 1837 as minister of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Hobart, and, being a man of rare eloquence and great grasp and power, he ueed his influence by awakening liberal and scientific inquiry in the minds of his fellowcolonists, and developing the resources of Tasmania. As president of the Van Diemen's Land Mechanics' Institute he delivered addresses on ' The Advantages of Science' and other subjects, which were models of clear and vigorous thought, and showed a true appreciation of the lofty aims and objects of scientific training and teaching, fle left Tasmania in 1858, and died in New Zealand in 1866, at the age of fifty nine. Mr Livingstone, of Hobart, who had formerly acted as Dr Liltie's eecretary,_ bad assisted in compiling particulars of his life and work. The main object of the Tasmanian Society was to enoounge investi-

cation into the plant and animal life of Tasmania, the mineraloglcal and fossil contents of the rocks, and trustworthy records of tho forms and laws under which mineral plant, and vegotable existence exhibit themselves in this colony. Among the first list of corresponding members were the names of Captain James L, Ross, H.M.S. Erebus; Captain Francis K. M. Crczter, H.M.S. Terror; Mr \\. Macleay, Sydney; Count Strzeleckie, London; Mr John Gould, London; Rev. W. Coleaso, Sir George Grey, Sir Joßeph Hooker (surgeon of H.M.S. Erebus); while among the resident members were Sir John Franklin, Rev. Dr Lillie, Rev. T. J. Ewing, Mr Ronald C. Uunn, Dr Joseph Milligan, Mr Morton Allport, Mr James Barnard, and Hod. J. W. Agnew. Among the earl? papers published were the following :-' Remarks on the indigenous vegetable productions ct Tasmania available' a3 food for man, by Ronald C. Gunn ; 'A catalogue of the birds of Tasmania,' Rev. T. J. hiving; ' Description of a collection of fash found at Port Arthur,' by J«h? , Lwhardsou; 'lrrigation of Tasmania, Captain A F Cotton; 'Series of meteorological observations at Hobart, Launceston, and Port Arthur,' 'Characteristics of tae aborigines of Tasmania,' by the Rev. .1. Dove ; ' On the first discovery of Tasmania in 164-2.' by the Rev. J. P. Hell: 'On the teeth and poison aparatus of snakes, by Dr .1. \V. Agnew; and 'Ou thß statistics of Van DLman's Land,' by Mr James Barnard. Much of tho space in tho ' Journal was occupied with accounts of contemporary exploration by the Erebtn and the Terror. The Tasmanian Society retained its name till IS4S, when "Tho Society o Nan Diemen's Land for Horticulture, Botany, and the Advancement of Science" came to the front, and Her Majesty was pleased to become its patron, and to allow it to_ be railed "The Royal Society of Tasmania, its objects being "to investigate the physical character of the island, and illustrate its natural history and productions. It received a grant of land and L4OO per annum from tho Treasury, In IS4S or early in 1549 the new Bociety absorbed the old one, apparently by a mutual understanding. On the grant* of land in the Domain a botanical garden was planted, m which valuable experiments were conducted. Among the first successive officers of the society were Vc Lillie (secretary), Dr Milligan, Sir Eardley Wilmot, Sir William Denison. In ISSO the Secretary of State requested the society to send specimens of the native and industrial products of the colony to the Exhibition ot ISSI, and the request was complied with. The first mention of a museum was in lblJ, when the Government granted a vote of LIOO towards its support. In the early days it owed much to the exertions of Dr Milligan. On the 30th Aoril ho (the president) had the privilege of cpedog a new museum and art gallery iu Lauuce3ton ( which was under the superintendence of Mr A. Morton. The ituseum and Botanical Gardens at Hobart were in ISSS placed by Act of Parliament under a board of trustees, most of whom are members of the Royal Society. It was hoped as the revenue increased more funds would be available to make experiments and for botanical instruction. Briefly reviewing the multifarious work of the society, thepresident showed that it had been the means, mainly through the excellent work of Mr J. B. Walker, of bringing together the scattered records of ihe early discovery and settlement oi the island, and it had taken a leading part in the acclimatisation of salmonid;v in Lisinanian waters. The munificence of the Hon. J. W. Agnew, who, at hia own cost, secured the introduction of an enormous supply of salmon ova in 183S, was referred to in filtering terms. The president also quoted from Mr R. M. Johnston as to the influence of the Royal Society upon the development of the neology of Tasmania, the whole stock of knowledge obtained having been directly due to the members, or collected from materials supplied by them. Among the explorera c! the country were Count P. E. I'J Strczlceki, J. Beete Jukes, Dr Joßeph Milhcan, Mr Selwyn, Mr Charles Gould, J. Tenison - Wooda, Messrs M. Allport, 1. Stephens, A. Hainsworth, S. H. Wiutle, G. Thureau, C. P. Sprent, J. Smith, A. Montgomery, and R. M. Johnston. Special mention was made of the valuable services of the latter in his work 'A Systematic Account of the Geology of Tasmania,' published in ISS9. Great advances had also been made, mainly through the instrumentality of the society, in a knowledge of the natural history of Tasmania during tho last fifty years, as shown by a comparison of the published lists of mammals, etc. Yet there was still a large field open fcr research iu entomology, as shown by the fact that Mr W. W. Walker, R.N., chief engineer of H.M.S. Penguin, when on a visit to Tasmania last year, obtained 556 species of oleoptera from Hobart, 1.571 specimens of T9S speciea from all the colony, many of these being new to science. There could be no greater error than the idea that the work of local observation had been accomplished, because all that was known was the mere fringe of what remained to be discovered. As Sir John Lubbock pat it : "To place stuffed birds and beasts in glass case?, to arrange insects in cabinets, and dried plants in drawers, is merely the drudgery and preliminary of atady. To watch their habits, to understand their relations to one another, to study their atructure and intelligence, to dioertain their adaptations and their relations to the forces of Nature, to realise what thxi world appears to them—these constitute, as it seems to me at least, the true interest of natural history, and may even give us the clue to senses and perceptions of which at present we have no conception. The society had in the past had its alternate periods of active energy and comparative inactivity, but it had been fortunate in possessing relays of active workers, among whom were the late Rev. J. E. TenisonWocds, whose death was a serious blow to science, and Mr R. M. Johnson, whose genius, versatility, and untiring industry in th« cauae of science were beyond all praise, and who was undoubtedly at present the mainstay of the society. At the present time the society uould congratulate it3elf on being in a healthy state, and fairly commanding the sympathy of the public, although there ia plenty of room in it for more workers. The various Governors of tho colony had for the most part closely identified themselves with the interests of the Royal Society, aa instance .Sir John Franklin, Sir William Denißon, Sir Henry Lefroy, besides the late Bishop fvixon, Sir Lambert Dobaon, Bisshop Montgomery, the Roman Catholic Archbishop, whose astronomical attainments are of a hitrh order. Though the general mind of the community does not go towards aeientifio observation and investigation, he (the president) looked forward to one effeot of this great gathering in Hobart being to press home the conviction to the minds of our people that the mora we add to our knowledge of Nature's laws the more we are able to make use of them for our benefit, often in directiona quite andreamt of. He hoped tila,o that the meeting would tend to increase the number of members of the society, and •'ive a stimulus and an impetua to scientific research generally throughout Tasmania, the aalutary effect of which would become more and more apparent aa years roll on. In conclusion, the president aaid that the y«srly change of the society's meeting-place greatly added to its usefulness, vigor, and freshness, the members gained increased local knowledge, and their conceptions were widened. As regards the admission of women as membera of acientific associations, the cause of science had benefited in many directions thereby, and he emphatically endorsed the opinion of the preaident of the British ABSOoiation at the meeting at which ladies were first admitted aa associates, that "man cannot ascend in the scale of intellectual power unless woman rises with him." The present gathering included a large number of scientific men, and_ it would undoubtedly lead to the promotion of a free interchange of ideas, the stimulation of a healthy vitality and emulation, •supply gaps in reasoning, fill in blanks in observation, diaaipate crude theories, and enable truth to emerge from the crucible of wider experience. These annual gatherings directed the public mind to scientific pursuits. Therefore, these scientific societies deserved Bupport and sympathy. He thought, however, there was munh room /or increasing the usefulness of the societies

by devising and systematically carrying out some organisation throughout the country for the obtaining of information respecting its physical and natural characteristics, which might be done by mapping out the country into districts, and appointing an honorary representative in each. Secondly, the sooiety should take every opportunity of inculcating the fact that, even in the humblest occupation, some knowledge of the sciences enables the workman "to dignify and fructify his labor by understanding it." Popular lectures would do much to diaaeminate this soit of knowledge. Next, the rudiments of scienco should be taught in the primary schools, and district museums be promoted. The members should also cultivate the idea that an increased knowledge of Nature's laws, and of their operation to human needs, had led to an enormous increase in the wealth of the world, by facilitating and enlarging both the production and distribution of commodities, and had largely contributed to tho comfort and prolonged the duration of human existence. The speaker quoted some elcqueut passages fioin Macaulay'a 'Essay on .Bacon' as to philosophy based on observation, as well as an extract from the report of the Royal Commission on Education, which sat in 18(51. tie dwelt on the influenco of scientific teaching in elucidating and increasing the pursuit of truth, and he concluded as follows :~On all grounds, therefore—material, mental, and moral—the study of scienco should be encouraged to the utmost of our power. And the range of science ia illimitable. Notwithstandiag the accumulated knowledge of Naturo's lawa, and of their application to our need?, which the world now possesses (thanks to the work of those great men, paat and present, who have devoted themselveu to the causo of science, and for the result of whose labors the world cannot bo too thankful) still, what Newton calls the "vast ocean of truth" lies practically unexplored around us. Every item of knowledge we obtain only shows us how mush there is to know ; and while many departments of human life and interest may always remain beyond the power of man to fathom, the possibilities disclosed by recent discoveries are such as to suggest that the future may have in store discoveries still more startling and brilliant, in the light of which our knowledge of today will appear but pale and dim in the eyes of posterity. LETTER I'ROM SIR LYON IT.AYI'AIR. Daring the courso of his address the President read a letter from Sir Lyon Playfair, written at Nahant, Massachusetts, U.S., who regretted that he had not been able to visit Australia. Sir Lyon felt certain that Sydney, Melbournp, and Chriatchurch mußt have felt the invigorating influence of meetings of the Association for the Advancement of Science. In England it had become recognised that successful competition in manufactures depended largely upon scientific culture. The technical schools were growing with great rapidity, while even the farmers were being aroused, and agricultural echools wen? being founded throughout the country. Abstract science developed national intelligence, which was the main condition for national development. It was the tree of knowledge which would produce industrial fruit in its own time. Hoijakt, January S. Mr R. Teece, F.1.A., devoted the greater p;u't of his paper to an exposition of the relation of proiit and wages. The s'iraiiel conditions of labor and capital, he said, had entirely arisen from causes which could yet be amicably overcome. He gave illustrations to show to both capitalists and laborers that their interests, instead of being antagonistic, were identical, if they fully realised that tho greatest proiit and the highest wagea must come on the part of both to make labor as skilful and di'ectivc as possible, and to employ labor acd capital as largely as they could, because the more capital and the more labor were employed the greater not only would be the absolute production but also the relative ehare to each.

Professor Bragg chose as the subject of his presidential address ' Mathematical Analogies between vaiiou3 branches of Phyaica " ; Mr W. If. Hamlet, "Chemistry and Mineralogy " ; Professor David, " Volcanic Action in Eastern Australia aud Tasmania,"

Captain Pasco, R.N,, treating of "Ciengraphy," pointed out that there was still a considerable area of the globo to be subdued and peaceable dominion obtained within the Antarctic circle —On the motion of the Governor of Queensland, seconded by Baron von Miisller, a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the lecturer,—Baron von Mii'iller said that there wa3 very little left to be explored with tho exception of New Guinea, That was one of the most interesting and fascinating countries in the world, not merely on account of its extent of fertile land and the enormous heights of its mountain?, but because of the promises held forth by its hundreds of milea of rocks of an auriferous character. Tho lecturer had distinguished himself in every pirt of the world as a marine surveyor, and waa tho worthy son of the Admiral Pasco who had at tho Battle of Trafalgar hoisted the Bignala containing tho hero's last words, that " England expects every man to do hi 3 duty." As to Antarclic research, of which we were hearing so much, thcße colonies must benefit mostly by it. There were valuable products in these southern seas which iu northern latitudes were almost exhausted. The Rev. Lorimer Fison dealt with " Anthropology," and incidentally recommended for Btudy two very valuable books: (1) the Rev. Dr Codrington's 'The Melanesiau Tribes,' and (2) 'The Maori Polynesian Comparative Dictionaries,' by Mr Edward Tregear, of New Zealand.

Professor Morris delivered his address on • Literature and Fine Arts.' He wished succees to the new university which had been established iu Hobart withiu the paat year. However, he held it was not wise to increase universities, as in America, where there were five or six degree-giving universities to every million of inhabitants. If Australia were one country—as it ought to be—two universities would probably be quite enough (or, better still, even one) to do what luekdtobe dono, arranged on the pattern of the University of New Zealand, with teaching bodies in different places, but one uniform standard of examination for each degree. That would lead to emulation between the different teaching colleges, and would surely have happy results. However, the universities might agree upon a common standard. The educated men should be tho first to show that the day of discord was over, and to welcome the arrival of unity and co-operation. ' Mr C. Napier Bell, C.E. of New Zealand, gave an able and exhaustive address on 'Engineering and Architecture.' In Australia, he said, the best attention of engineers should be devoted to sanitary engineeringfirst, to cleanse the towns ; and secondly, to save the sewage to irrigate tho land. He foreeaw for engineers a noble task in providing water irrigation for Australia. Having dealt with various branches of his subject, Mr Bell concluded by urging tho necessity for otrong theoretical and scientific knowledge in the engineer. If colonista wished to be remembetcd to diatant ages of the future they mußt emulate thoße mighty people of the past who left imperishable records of their lives in the ruin 3 of vast public works. Professor W. H, Warren gave a long address on ' Sanitary Engineering as Applied to Drainage of Cities and Towns and Disposal of Sewage and other Refuse.' Having referred to the schemes for the drainage of Melbourne, he quoted the remarks made by Sir R. Rawlinson on the sewerage of Memphis, There the sewers were ao small, and ao well filled by the flow of sewerage, that there remained very little exposed wall surface for bacteria to germinate, and very little space for storing up germ-laden air. The gases and heat of decomposition, which so powerfully stimulated organic life, were prevented by the daily flushing which was only possible in small sewers, The smooth, glazed surface of the pipes waa unfavorable soil for vegetable growth compared with porous bricks moistened with sewage. In many inland towns in Australia the " separate system " would be the most convenient and economical, as it had proved to be in America, provided that the upper end of eaoh branch sewer was connected with an automatic flushing tank of sufficient oapacity to secure the thorough daily cleaning of so much of the conduit as from ita limited flow was liable

to deposit solid matters. In Sydney, Dunedin, Wellington, Auckland, Hobart, and other similarly situated towns there existed considerable areas round the harbora which could not bo included in a purely gravitation scheme, and which could be most conveniently and economically dealt with on Shone's Bystem, and he believed that this system would be largely used in Australia and New Zealand in the future. In sewerhgo works the position of tho main outlet or outlets had an important influence on any scheme of sewerage. If the town was situated near the eßtuary of a rapid tidal river, or near the sea, so that tho sewerage might be deposited without the creation of a nuisance, it generally beoame the moßt economical method of disposal. As to whether the sewage might be safely disposed of by discharging into a tidal river, the question could only be decided with reference to tho volume. The sewage from two millions of peoplo was discharged into New York harbor, but the volume and velocity of the tidal water were exceptionally great, and the result fairly satisfactory. At Brighton, England, and at several other seaside towns the outlets had proved unsatisfactory because of the return of the sewage on to the beachc, and very expensive conduits for the removal to suitable distances had become necessary. After dealing with the chemical precipitation for disposal of sewago, which he thought c juld hardly bo conaidered satisfactory proof, Profeaßor Warren went on to say in the inland towns, and wherever the expenso of discharging the sewage out to sea was greater than that of disposing of it on a sewage farm, the latter should be adopted. A sewage farm, if properly mauaged, would do something moro than pay working expenses, and it was a most satisfactory method, from a sanitary point of view, for the disposal of sewage. A largo number of sewage farms existed in various parts of the world, and the results were uniformly satisfactory. There were two methods which were largdy used in applying sewage to land—(a) broad surface; (b) irrigation. A third m thod, known as sub-surface irrigation was employed to a lesser extent, chiefly on small arears.

In the afternoon Bishop Montgomery entertained many members of the Association and local residents at Biahopscourt. At the Town Hall tonight Dr Gif Ten addressed a large audience on ' The Rise and Growth of the British Empire.' Tie Governor presided. Dr Giflen quoted statistics to show that during the twenty years preceding 18S5 the population of the British Empire had increased by tix and aquarter millbna, and that its wealth for the like period had risen from six thousand millions to ten thousand million pounds. Tho wealth of the Australasian colonies had increased to about fifteen hundred millions sterling. In the last twenty years the growth of population in these colonics was three and a-half millions. In North America there were about five and n-quarter millions, Within eighty years the growth in India was from about forty two u two hundred and eighty-four millions of people, the incrcaso in the last twenty years being 15 per cent. Iu the Cape colonies, where there were one hundred and twenty thousand of population early iu the century, the growth had been to over two millions. In the remaining colonies and possessions of the Empire there were over seven miliiune, showing an increase of two millions from twenty years ago. Referring to fiscal questions, the lecturer's remarks were emphatically in favor of the policy of Frectrade. It the Australasian colonics federated, it would be a step towards Imperial federation, because the people of England who desired Imperial federation would then only have to deal with two Governments—the Canadian and Australasian—instead of eight as at present. On the motion of the Premier (Hon. P. 0. Fysh) the usual compliment was passed to tho lecturer, who returned thanks for "the hearty welcome which had been accorded him in Tasmania."