The Italian Society for the Advancement of Science

Abstract

THE Italian Society for the Advancement of Science is not so ancient an institution as the British Association, but its objects are identical with those of its elder sister, and its methods are in many respects the same. In its present shape it dates from 1908, and its twelfth general session was held at Catania on April 5-n. This was the first occasion on which the Society has visited Sicily, and it was evidently a matter of friendly rivalry between visitors and hosts as to which could do most to make the meeting a success. Naturally the ancient “Uni-versita dei Studi “of Catania was in the forefront, with its picturesque and convenient Palazzo in the centre of the city, and its numerous laboratories and affiliated institutes in other quarters. Some sections, however, were lodged in the municipal buildings which overlook the University Piazza; and the open ing meeting was held in the spacious Bellini Theatre, only a few minutes' walk from that square. The Italian Society does not share the apprehensions of some critics of our own Association in regard to multiplication of “sections”: it enjoys no less than twenty-one of these, and includes in its scope, not only the physical, biological, and statistical sciences, but also medical, legal, philosophical, and historical studies. This accords with the organisation of higher studies in the faculties of Italian universities, and certainly has the effect of bringing a wider diversity of members together, without evident disadvan tages.