Following the appointment of a committee of six from the Society, who later met a similar committee of six from the Victorian Institute, and held four meetings discussing the amalgamation of the two societies, a detailed statement was presented to the members of both organizations, recommending amalgamation under certain terms:

1. That the two societies be amalgamated, under the title, pending the grant of a Royal Charter, of 'The Philosophical Institute of Victoria'.
2. That the first office bearers of the proposed Institute be—
   • President: Captain A. Clarke, R.E.
   • Vice Presidents: His Honour Mr. Justice Barry; Godfrey Howitt
   • Council: The existing members of the Council of the Philosophical Society and the Victorian Institute.
   • Treasurer: D. E. Wilkie.
   • Hon. Secretaries: S. Wekey; R. B. Smyth; W. S. Gibbons
3. That the objects of the Philosophical Institute shall be the same as that of the Philosophical Society, and that the mode of operation of the new Institute shall be the same as that of the old Society.

Thus was effected an amalgamation of two kindred societies who in their own particular sphere of activity had contributed largely to a detailed knowledge of the natural resources of the colony. It also effected a co-ordination of the activities of the scientific life of the community, producing an active and virile society which in the years ahead became the Royal Society of Victoria, a society that played an honoured part in the scientific development of the State of Victoria.

Royal Society of Victoria