July 1859.

Sir,

I am in possession of a large collection of objects of natural history, principally Australian, the result of 9 years of collecting by myself. Attached to it are a number of engravings, maps, pictures, books etc. he whole consists of several thousands of objects - circumstances compel me to dispose of my collection, and believing that it would form a valuable part of our museum of the Philosophical Institute, I intend to offer if for the sum of £120._._. a sum certainly not great to what I myself have paid to bring the collection together. But the Phill. Institute has, I believe, at present, not the means to pay such a sum.

I therefore ask some of our more wealthy members of the Phil. Inst.e the favor to act at once as Donors to the Inst.e and at the same time as friends to myself in relieving me of some of the difficulties I am innocently placed in, by subscribing the above sum for the purchase of the collection and the presentation of it to the Phil Inst.e

Ludwig Becker.

• Silurian topsoils
  
• Tertiary topsoils
  
• Minerals
  
• Ores
  
• Shells
  
• Fishes
  
• Crustacea
  
• Insects
  
• Skulls & skeletons
  
• Nests & eggs
  etc. etc.


• Ethnological objects
  
• Works of art
  
• Original drawings
  
• Engravings
  
• Water color paintings
  
• Books, Maps
  etc. etc.
  

Melbourne,
Aug 18, 1860.

Sir,

I have the honor to present to the Royal Society with the liberal assistance of a great number of friends of this Society, my little museum, consisting of objects of natural history etc. etc.

I also have the honor to enclose a list with the names of the Donors, and the subscribed sum.

Most respectfully,
Yours obediently,
Ludwig Becker

The Hon Secretary,
Royal Society of Victoria.

Monday, 8 October 1860.

Ordinary monthly meeting of the Royal Society of Victoria was held in the society's house, Victoria-street.

In the absence of His Excellency Sir Henry Barkly, the chair was taken at 8 o'olock by the vice-president of the society, Dr Eades, mayor of Melbourne.

Dr Macadam laid the following contributions on the table, viz:-A cabinet of fossils, shells, &c. and a glass case of fossils, &c.; several small cases of curiosities, drawings, books, bottles with specimens of natural history, &c being the contents of Dr Becker's museum, presented by subscription.