Ferdinand von Mueller

Wednesday night

It was with regret, dear Dr Neild, that I was prevented to share in the auspicious festival of the Medical Society at its new Hall.

1

The Medical Society of Victoria held its Annual Meeting in its new hall on Wednesday 9 January 1878 and elected its office-bearers for the coming year.

Only just returned from my long journey

2

M had returned only a week earlier from a three-month journey to WA.

I had to go through some work this evening, which I could not postpone. I felt also, that I should all the less have been missed, as my slender means did not enable me to contribute to the fund of the building. Pray thank the Committee for its friendly invitation and attention.

I am pleased that you deem Dr Wuth's essay on the fish poisons worthy of insertion into the journal,

3

No such report has been found in the Australian medical journal that Neild edited.

and that too at so early a date. The subject certainly has much of novelty attached to it.

You might considerately mention in the journal that Dr Wuth's communication came through me.

I have just received your invitation for supper this day week. Thank the committee kindly in my name. If no further disturbance arises in my Department or other unforeseen circumstances prevent me, I shall be happy to attend.