Ferdinand von Mueller

1

M's letter was read at the Royal Society of NSW on 2 May 1883, when the president, Christopher Rolleston, stated: 'At the Council meeting held 13th December, 1882, it was unanimously resolved to award the Clarke Medal for the year 1883 to Baron Ferdinand von Mueller, K.C.M.G., F.R.S., &c., Government Botanist, Melbourne.' (Journal and proceedings of the Royal Society of New South Wales (1883), vol. XVII, p. 212). By implication this was for his contributions to Australian natural history since the medal was established in 1878 'for meritorious contributions to the Geology, Mineralogy, or Natural History of Australia, to men of science, whether resident in Australia or elsewhere' (Journal and proceedings of the Royal Society of New South Wales [1882], vol. XVI, p. xlvii). M's letter was subsequently published in the Society's proceedings; see B84.08.06.

Melbourne,

Christmas 1882.

To Professor Archib. Liversidge, FRS., F.C.S., Honorary Secretary of the Royal Society of N.S.Wales.

Dear Professor

It is to me a source of infinite delight, that the Council of the Royal Society of New South Wales in so generous a spirit has bestowed on me the Clarke Memorial Medal for 1883, a distinction, which I prize beyond expressions in words adequate of my profound gratitude. Reflecting that the eldest scientific Society of Australia has selected me among the very first, on whom this token of scientific encouragement has been bestowed,

2

Previous recipients were Richard Owen, 1878; George Bentham, 1879; Thomas Huxley, 1880; Frederich McCoy, 1881; and James Dwight Dana, 1882.

I may well be proud to be thus early enrolled on a list, which in the course of generations is sure to contain a long series of illustrious names, with which those of the first recipients of this honor will be brought historically into contact within the realm of science. For myself I treasure the Clarke-Medal all the more, as for more than a quarter of a century I had the privilege of scientific intercourse with its renowned founder, who while he left an enduring fame by his own great geologic researches in this part of the globe, was ever eager to promote the work of younger investigators entering successively the field of knowledge. The features of the Reverend and venerable sage on the Medal call vividly to my mind the several moments, when I met him in life, and render this medal a special souvenir. May I trust, that the opportunity will arise, to show in some tangible manner my gratefulness to the learned Society, which honored me so highly in preference to others, who had higher claims on this treasurable and lasting distinction.