Notes

Abstract

AT Cairo, on the 2nd inst., the inaugural meeting took place of the Société Khédivale de Geographic, under the presidency of the eminent traveller Dr. Schweinfurth and the patronage of H.H. the Khedive, who has shown special favour to the young society, having placed at its disposal a handsome suite of apartments furnished in suitable style, and also presented a valuable library, besides subscribing 400l. a year to the funds. This cannot but be gratifying to the friends of science and progress, and is a hopeful sign for the future of Egypt and of the extensive region from which it claims allegiance. Let us hope that like results will follow the intercourse between this country and the Sovereign of Zanzibar. With these two African potentates on the side of progress, the advantages to knowledge, as well as to Africa, could not but be great. At all events, under the powerful patronage of the Khedive, this Egyptian Geographical Society is bound to make valuable contributions to our knowledge of North Africa. Dr. Schweinfurth, in his inaugural address, which was characterised by great fervour, spoke of the domain and progress of geography. “It has become,” he said, “an immense domain, the meeting-place of all branches of human science. The geography of the present does not aim at merely describing the external form of the earth, the vesture which it has assumed; it seeks to show the chain of hidden causes of which this form is the expression.” He then spoke of Africa and the great interest attaching to it, and especially to the Nile, the sources of which he believes contain the key to all the mysteries of Africa. Dr. Schweinfurth then referred to the history of Egypt and its progress under its present ruler, by whose special desire the Society has been organised. The motto of the Society, he said, should be Nusquam otiosus, and its duty Centraliser et encourager. After pointing out to those who take a “utilitarian” view of science, that all the comforts and commodities of modern life are due to researches which, though purely theoretical in their origin, have yielded magnificent practical results, Dr. Schweinfurth indicated the benefits to be gained from the increase of geographical knowedge, and described the organisation of the new Society and the task which lies before it. He showed what advantages a Society so situated had over European societies for extending our knowledge of Africa, and pointed out what yet remained to be done ere the topography of North Africa could be considered anything like completely known. We notice that the principal geographical societies of Europe and Americ a have sent their congratulations to Dr. Schweinfurth on the founding of this Society; England's name, however, is not mentioned.