Ferdinand von Mueller

Adelaide, South Australia

29th May 1886

Honoured Sir

Your kind favour of 25th May, instant

1

See M to A. Magarey, 23 May 1886.

is before me. I am sorry that you have evidently misconceived the tenour of my letter to our friend Mr Macdonald; and the intent of the Section "Historical" set forth in our Draft of "Federal Constitution" — An expression, Sir, of your own in the lines of 25th May — "History of Geography, is in reality only geography itself; just as history of Medicine is only a part of Medical Science" — sets forth our view precisely.

We had no idea of exceeding the limits set forth in your definition, above quoted: and entirely agree with your own remarks, as to confining our aims to Geographical Science. But record of pioneer effort in these new lands seems to us inseparable from "Historical" record; whilst at the same time, wholly "Geographical" in purport.

We have no Historical Society in existence in this Colony as you have:

2

The Historical Society of Australasia was formed in Melbourne in May 1885; however, it survived for only a couple of years, publishing a single volume of Transactions in 1886.

so we do not aim at any amalgamation. In fact Sir, you will see, I think, that we are in accord with yourself on the whole question.

The "Draft Federal Constitution," submitted, is intended to be supplementary to the "Local" or Provincial Constitution. It was intended as basis for the united action of the various Branches in the larger, and more important aims which we all have before us. The Sydney Constitution did not make suitable provision for Federal action. We have sought to further the interests of the Geographical Society of Australasia by this contribution. The Constitutions of prominent Institutions in the Old World, America, & the Colonies were examined, in the process of make the compilation.

Our thanks are due, and are tendered for your kind offer of inspection, & assistance. Only we desire that you do not misunderstand our intent, as we are most anxious to conform in all point to the true aims of the Society whose interests we all have at heart. Copy of Constitutions forwarded by same post.

Baron Von Mueller

Melbourne Vict.