NRS-1324 | The Philosophical Society of Australasia: Minute book

The Philosophical Society of Australasia held its first meeting at the home of Judge Barron Field on 27 June 1821. The Society was established by some of the colony's most distinguished citizens to encourage an interest in the sciences and to provide a centre for scientific investigations. The regulations governing the Society were quite strict. The members were to meet every Wednesday evening at each other's houses in Sydney. Each member was to produce a monthly paper, although this was not always complied with. No refreshment was to be served, except tea and coffee, under penalty of five pounds. Most importantly, each member had to furnish the Secretary with an alphabetical catalogue of his library, which were to be digested into one catalogue for the reference of all the members.This volume was originally received as part of the bundle [4/1748] in the series NRS-898 Special bundles [Colonial Secretary].(SZ1007). 1 vol. Note: This description, as amended, is extracted from Concise Guide to the State Archives of New South Wales, 3rd Edition 2000.