The Linnean Society of New South Wales promotes the Cultivation and Study of the Science of Natural History in all its Branches and was founded in Sydney, New South Wales (Australia) in 1874 and incorporated in 1884.

[Members of the Society in 1888. Sitting, from right to left: Sir William Macleay, Dr James Cox, John Brazier, J. H. Maiden, Ernst Betche, Henry Deane.

Standing, from left right: Professor W.J. Stephens, Frederick Skuse, Frank Meyrick de Meyrick, J.J. Fletcher. | upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7f/Excursion///of///the///members///of///the///Linnean///Society///of///N.S.W.///on///the///Nepean///River%2C///September///29%2C///1888///%28cropped%29.jpg]

History

The Society succeeded the Entomological Society of New South Wales, founded in 1862 which folded in 1872, with James Charles Cox as its first president. The first issue of Proceedings was in 1875. The establishment of the Society was largely due to the dedication and financial support of its first President, Sir William Macleay. Joseph James Fletcher was director and librarian (this title was afterwards changed to secretary) from 1885 and edited 33 volumes of the Proceedings of the society. In September 1882, a fire destroyed the library and a part of the scientific material of the society. The efforts of William Macleay made it possible nevertheless for the society to continue its activities.

Macleay bursary

In 1903, the Society created the Macleay bursary, which has since helped many students of the University of Sydney to continue their studies and to engage of the significant research tasks in the fields of botany, zoology or geology. These included Valerie May although it was discontinued on her marriage.

Notable people

Notable members and position holders include:

Journal