The foundation years of the Royal Society of Tasmania, 1843-86

The early history of the Royal Society is of an organisation broadly based in its scientific activity: developing and administering the Colonial Gardens in Hobart; providing a forum for papers, both practical and scientific; publishing; building a library through the exchange of its publications; and establishing a museum through donations and exchange. Involving both local people and many international corresponding members, the Society was the means by which the scientific world could learn about Tasmania and the local community could learn about European scientific developments and also be informed about local environmental issues.