or at first irregularly paid; but they are now five guineas paid to the treasurer at admission, and 12s. per quarter so long as the person continues a member; or, in lieu of the annual subscription, a composition of 25 guineas in one payment.

Their design is, to "make faithful records of all the works of nature or art which come within their reach; so that the present as well as future ages may be enabled to put a mark on errors which have been strengthened by long prescription; to restore truths that have been neglected; to push those already known to more various uses; to make the way more palpable to what remains unrevealed," &c. To this purpose they have made a great number of experiments and observations on most of the works of nature; and also numbers of short histories of nature, arts, manufactures, useful engines, contrivances, &c. The services which they have rendered to the public are very great. They have improved naval, civil, and military architecture; advanced the security and perfection of navigation; improved agriculture; and not only this kingdom, but also Ireland, the plantations, &c., upon planting. They have registered experiments, histories, relations, observations, &c., and reduced them into one common stock; and have, from time to time, published those which they reckoned most useful, under the title of Philosophical Transactions, &c., and laid the rest up in public registers, to be nakedly transmitted to posterity, as a solid groundwork for future systems.

They have a library adapted to their institution; towards which Mr Henry Howard, afterwards duke of Norfolk, contributed the Norfolcian library, and which is, at this time, greatly increased by a continual series of benefactions. The museum or repository of natural and artificial rarities, given them by Daniel Colvall, Esq., and since enriched by many others, is now removed to the British museum, and makes a part of that great repository. Their motto is Nullius in verba; and their place of assembling is Somerset-house in the Strand. Sir Godfrey Copley, baronet, left five guineas to be given annually to the person who should write the best paper in the year, under the head of experimental philosophy. This reward, which is now changed to a gold medal, is the highest honour the society can bestow. It is conferred on St Andrew's day.

2. The Royal Society of Edinburgh, was incorporated by royal charter on the 29th of March 1783, and has for its object the cultivation of every branch of science, erudition, and taste. Its rise and progress towards its present state was as follows: In the year 1718 a literary society was established in Edinburgh by the learned Ruddiman and others, which in 1731 was succeeded by a society instituted for the improvement of medical knowledge. In the year 1739 the celebrated MacLaurin conceived the idea of enlarging the plan of this society, by extending it to subjects of philosophy and literature. The institution was accordingly new-modelled by a printed set of laws and regulations, the number of members was increased, and they were distinguished from that time by the title of The Society for Improving Arts and Sciences, or more generally by the title of The Philosophical Society of Edinburgh. Its meetings, however, were soon interrupted by the disorders of the country during the rebellion in 1745; and they were not renewed till the year 1752. Soon after this period the first volume of the Transactions of the Society for Philosophical Society of Edinburgh was published, under the title of Essays and Observations, Physical and Literary, and was followed by other volumes of acknowledged merit. About the end of the year 1782, in a meeting of the professors of the university of Edinburgh, many of whom were likewise members of the Philosophical Society, and warmly attached to its interests, a scheme was proposed by the Rev. Dr Robertson, principal of the university, for the establishment of a new society on a more extended plan, and after the model of some of the foreign academies. It appeared an expedient measure to solicit the royal patronage to an institution of this nature, which promised to be of national importance, and to request an establishment by charter from the crown. The plan was approved and adopted; and the Philosophical Society, joining its influence as a body in seconding the application from the university, his majesty, as we have already observed, was most graciously pleased to incorporate The Royal Society of Edinburgh by charter.

This society consists of ordinary and honorary members; and the honorary places are restricted to persons residing out of Great Britain and Ireland. The election of new members is appointed to be made at two stated general meetings, which are to be held on the fourth Monday of January and the fourth Monday of June. A candidate for the place of an ordinary member must signify by a letter, addressed to one of the members, his wish to be received into the society. He must then be publicly proposed at least a month before the day of election. If the proposal be seconded by two of the members present, his name is to be inserted in the list of candidates, and hung up in the ordinary place of meeting. The election is made by ballot, and is determined in favour of a candidate, if he shall have the votes of two-thirds of those present, in a meeting consisting of at least 21 members. The general business of the society is managed by a president, two vice-presidents, with a council of 12, a general secretary, and a treasurer. These officers are chosen by ballot annually on the last Monday of November. All public deeds, whether of a civil or of a literary nature, are transacted by this board, and proceed in the name of the president or vice-president.

As it was thought that the members would have a greater inducement to punctual attendance on the meetings of the society, if they had some general intimation of the nature of the subjects which were to be considered, and made the topics of conversation, it was therefore resolved to divide the society into two classes, which should meet and deliberate separately. One of these classes is denominated the Physical Class, and has for its department the sciences of mathematics, natural philosophy, chemistry, medicine, natural history, and whatever relates to the improvement of arts and manufactures. The other is denominated the Literary Class, and has for its department literature, philology, history, antiquities, and speculative philosophy. Every member is desired at his admission to intimate which of those classes he wishes to be more particularly associated with; but he is at the same time entitled to attend the meetings of the other class, and to take part in all its proceedings. Each of the classes has four presidents and two secretaries, who officiate by turns. The meetings Societies for of the physical clasf are held on the first Mondays of January, February, March, April, July, August, November, and December; and the meetings of the Literary clasf are held on the third Mondays of January, February, March, April, June, July, November, and December, at 7 o'clock afternoon.

At these meetings the written essays and observations of the members of the society, or their correspondents, are read publicly, and become the subjects of conversation. The subjects of these essays and observations are announced at a previous meeting, in order to engage the attendance of those members who may be particularly interested in them. The author of each dissertation is likewise desired to furnish the society with an abstract of it, to be read at the next ensuing meeting, when the conversation is renewed with increased advantage, from the knowledge previously acquired of the subject. At the same meetings are exhibited such specimens of natural or artificial curiosities, such remains of antiquity, and such experiments, as are thought worthy of the attention of the society. All objects of natural history presented to the society, are ordered by the charter of the institution to be deposited, on receipt, in the museum of the university of Edinburgh; and all remains of antiquity, public records, or ancient manuscripts, in the library belonging to the faculty of advocates at Edinburgh.

The ordinary members, whose usual residence is in the city of Edinburgh or its immediate neighbourhood, are expected to attend regularly the monthly meetings; and are required to defray, by an annual contribution, the current expenses of the institution. The members who reside at such a distance from Edinburgh, that they cannot enjoy the advantages arising from a regular attendance on the meetings of the society, are not subjected to any contribution for defraying its expenses, but have a right to attend those meetings when occasionally in Edinburgh, and to take part in all their proceedings.

Five volumes of the Transactions of the society have been published, which bear ample testimony to the learning and acuteness of their various authors.

3. Medical Society of London, instituted in the year 1752, on the plan recommended by Lord Bacon (De Augm. Scient. lib. iv. cap. 2.), to revive the Hippocratic method of composing narratives of particular cases, in which the nature of the disease, the manner of treating it, and the consequences, are to be specified; to attempt the cure of those diseases which, in his opinion, have been too boldly pronounced incurable; and, lastly, to extend their inquiries after the powers of particular medicines in the cure of particular cases; the collections of this society have been already published, under the title of Medical Observations and Inquiries, in several volumes.

4. The Medical Society of Edinburgh was incorporated by royal charter in 1778; but there appears to have been in that city a voluntary association of the same name from the first establishment of a regular school of physic in the university. To the voluntary society the public is indebted for five volumes of curious and useful essays, collected principally by the late Dr Monro from June 1731 to June 1736; but in the year 1739 that society was united to another, as we have already observed in a former article. The ordinary members of the present medical society are elected by ballot, and Societies for three dissentients exclude a candidate; an ordinary member may also be elected an honorary member, who enjoys the privileges of the others, and receives a diploma, but is freed from the obligation of attendance, delivering papers in rotation, &c., to which the ordinary members are subject; but in this case the votes must be unanimous. The meetings of this society are held every Friday evening (formerly Saturday) in their own hall, during the winter season, when papers on medical subjects are delivered by the several members in rotation; and four of these are annually elected to fill the chair in rotation, with the title of annual presidents. This society possesses an excellent library of books on subjects connected with its pursuits.

5. The Royal Medical Society of Paris was instituted in 1776. The members are divided into affiliates ordinary, limited to 30, honorary to 12, extraordinary to 60, and foreign to 60, and correspondents. This society has published several volumes of Memoirs in 4to.

6. Asiatic Society, an institution planned by the late illustrious Sir William Jones, and actually formed at Calcutta on the 15th of January 1784, for the purpose of tracing the history, antiquities, arts, sciences, and literature, of the immense continent of Asia. As it was resolved to follow as nearly as possible the plan of the Royal Society of London, of which the king is patron, the patronage of the Asiatic Society was offered to the governor-general and council, as the executive power in the territories of the company. By their acceptance of this offer, Mr Haftings, as governor-general, appeared among the patrons of the new society; but he seemed in his private station, as the first liberal promoter of useful knowledge in Bengal, and especially as the great encourager of Persian and Sanscrit literature, to deserve a particular mark of distinction; he was requested, therefore, to accept the honorary title of president. This was handsomely declined in a letter from Mr Haftings, in which he requested "to yield his pretensions to the gentleman whose genius planned the institution, and was most capable of conducting it to the attainment of the great and splendid purposes of its formation." On the receipt of this letter, Sir William Jones was nominated president of the society; and we cannot give the reader a view of the object of the institution in clearer language than that which he employed in his first discourse from the chair.

"It is your design, I conceive (said the president), to take an ample space for your learned investigations, bounding them only by the geographical limits of Asia; so that, considering Hindoostan as a centre, and turning your eyes in idea to the north, you have on your right many important kingdoms in the eastern peninsula, the ancient and wonderful empire of China with all her Tartarian dependencies, and that of Japan, with the clutter of precious islands, in which many singular curiosities have too long been concealed: before you lies that prodigious chain of mountains, which formerly perhaps were a barrier against the violence of the sea, and beyond them the very interesting country of Tibet, and the vast regions of Tartary, from which, as from the Trojan horse of the poets, have issued so many confederate warriors, whose domain has extended at least from the banks of the Ilyus to the mouths of the Ganges: on your left are the beautiful and celebrated provinces..." Societies for or of Iran or Persia, the unmeasured and perhaps unmeasurable deserts of Arabia, and the once flourishing kingdom of Yemen, with the pleasant isles that the Arabs have subdued or colonized; and farther westward, the Asiatic dominions of the Turkish sultans, whose moon seems approaching rapidly to its wane. By this great circumference the field of your useful researches will be inclosed; but since Egypt had unquestionably an old connection with this country, if not with China, since the language and literature of the Abyssinians bear a manifest affinity to those of Asia, since the Arabian arms prevailed along the African coast of the Mediterranean, and even erected a powerful dynasty on the continent of Europe, you may not be deprived occasionally to follow the streams of Asiatic learning a little beyond its natural boundary; and, if it be necessary or convenient that a short name or epithet be given to our society, in order to distinguish it in the world, that of Asiatic appears both classical and proper, whether we consider the place or the object of the institution, and preferable to Oriental, which is in truth a word merely relative, and though commonly used in Europe, conveys no very distinct idea.

"If now it be asked, What are the intended objects of our inquiries within these spacious limits? we answer, Man and Nature; whatever is performed by the one or produced by the other. Human knowledge has been elegantly analyzed according to the three great faculties of the mind, memory, reason, and imagination, which we constantly find employed in arranging and retaining, comparing and distinguishing, combining and diversifying, the ideas, which we receive through our senses, or acquire by reflection; hence the three main branches of learning are, history, science, and art; the first comprehends either an account of natural productions, or the genuine records of empires and states, the second embraces the whole circle of pure and mixed mathematics, together with ethics and law, as far as they depend on the reasoning faculty; and the third includes all the beauties of imagery and the charms of invention, displayed in modulated language, or represented by colour, figure, or sound.

"Accordingly to this analysis, you will investigate whatever is rare in the stupendous fabric of nature, will correct the geography of Asia by new observations and discoveries; will trace the annals and even traditions of those nations who from time to time have peopled or depopulated it; and will bring to light their various forms of government, with their institutions civil and religious; you will examine their improvements and methods in arithmetic and geometry; in trigonometry, mensuration, mechanics, optics, astronomy, and general physics; their systems of morality, grammar, rhetoric, and dialectic; their skill in chirurgery and medicine; and their advancement, whatever it may be, in anatomy and chemistry. To this you will add researches into their agriculture, manufactures, trade; and whilst you inquire with pleasure into their music, architecture, painting, and poetry, will not neglect those inferior arts by which the comforts and even elegancies of social life are supplied or improved. You may observe, that I have omitted their languages, the diversity and difficulty of which are a sad obstacle to the progress of useful knowledge; but I have ever considered languages as the mere instruments of real learning, and think them improperly confounded with learning itself: the attainment of them is, however, indistinguishably necessary; and if to the Persian, Armenian, Turkish, and Arabic, could be added not only the Shanfrit, the treasures of which we may now hope to see unlocked, but even the Chinese, Tartarian, Japanese, and the various Indian dialects, an immense mine would then be open, in which we might labour with equal delight and advantage."

Of this society three volumes of the Transactions have been published, which are replete with information in a high degree curious and important; and we hope that the European world shall soon be favoured with another. The much-to-be-lamented death of the accomplished president may indeed damp the spirit of investigation among the members; for to conquer difficulties so great as they must meet with, a portion seems to be necessary of that enthusiasm which accompanied all the pursuits of Sir William Jones; but his successor is a man of great worth and learning, and we trust will use his utmost endeavours to have the plan completed of which Sir William gave the outlines.

5. The American Philosophical Society, held at Philadelphia, was formed in January 1769 by the union of two societies which had formerly subsisted in that city. This society extends its attention to geography, mathematics, natural philosophy, and astronomy; medicine and anatomy; natural history and chemistry; trade and commerce; mechanics and architecture; husbandry and American improvements. Its officers are a patron, president, three vice-presidents, one treasurer, four secretaries, and three curators, who are annually chosen by ballot. The duty of the president, vice-presidents, treasurer, and secretaries, is the same as in other societies. The business of the curators is to take the charge of all specimens of natural productions, whether of the animal, vegetable, or fossil kingdom; all models of machines and instruments; and all other matters belonging to the society which shall be intrusted to them. The ordinary meetings are held on the first and third Fridays of every month from October to May inclusive. This society was incorporated by charter 15th March 1780; and has published three volumes of its Transactions, containing many ingenious papers on general literature and the sciences, as well as respecting those subjects peculiar to America. It is a delightful prospect to the philosopher to consider, that Asia, Europe, and America, though far separated and divided into a variety of political states, are all three combined to promote the cause of knowledge and truth.

6. A Literary and Philosophical Society of considerable reputation has been lately established at Manchester, under the direction of two presidents, four vice-presidents, and two secretaries. The number of members is limited to 50; besides whom there are several honorary members, all of whom are elected by ballot; and the officers are chosen annually in April. Five volumes of valuable essays have been already published by this society.

A society on a similar plan has been established at Newcastle. It is composed of a number of most respectable members, and possesses a very valuable library and philosophical apparatus. Lectures on the different branches of natural philosophy have been delivered for several years at this institution.

7. Society for Promoting the Discovery of the Interior Parts This society or association for exploring the internal districts of Africa, of which so little is at present known, was formed in London by some opulent individuals in 1788; who, strongly impressed with a conviction of the practicability and utility of thus enlarging the fund of human knowledge, determined if possible to rescue the age from that stigma which attaches to its ignorance of so large and so near a portion of the globe. The founders of this society resolved to admit no man a member for a shorter period than three years, during which he must pay annually into the public fund five guineas. After three years, any member, upon giving a year's notice, may withdraw himself from the association. During the first 12 months each of the members was allowed to recommend for the approbation of the society such of his friends as he might think proper to be admitted into it; but since that period we believe all additional members have been elected by a ballot of the association at large. A committee was chosen by ballot to manage the funds of the society, to choose proper persons to be sent on the discovery of the interior parts of Africa, and to carry on the society's correspondence, with express injunctions to disclose no intelligence received from their agents but to the society at large. But a fuller account of the nature of this establishment, and the very happy efforts they have made, may be seen in the superb edition of their proceedings printed in 1799, 4to, for their own use; or in the 8vo edition since made public. They soon found two gentlemen, Mr Lucas and Mr Ledyard, who were singularly well qualified for the important mission. The information they have acquired will be found in the above work; with a new map by Mr Rennell, exhibiting the geographical knowledge collected by the African association. Mr Ledyard very unfortunately died during his researches at Cairo.

Few of our readers are unacquainted with the travels of Mr Park under the patronage of the society. For an account of which see Africa. A second journey was undertaken by the same gentleman within these three years; but as he has not been heard of for a long time, the most serious apprehensions are entertained that he and his companions have fallen victims either to the inhospitable climate, or to the watchful jealousy of the Moors. Another enterprising traveller, Mr Horneman, was sent out by the society about 1800. He departed from Cairo with a caravan, and reached Mourzouk, a place situated south from Tripoli; and from thence sent a communication to his constituents which has since been published by the society. This is the last account that was received of this traveller, from which it is feared that he has also perished.

8. The Society of Antiquaries of London, was founded about the year 1572 by Archbishop Parker, a munificent patron of learned men. For the space of 20 years it assembled in the house of Sir Robert Cotton; in 1589 they resolved to apply to Queen Elizabeth for a charter and a public building where they might hold their meetings; but it is uncertain whether any such application was ever made. In the mean time, the reputation of the society gradually increased, and at length it excited the jealousy of James I., who was afraid lest it should presume to canvass the secret transactions of his government. He accordingly disfavored it. But in the beginning of the last century, the Antiquarian society began to revive; and a number of gentlemen, eminent for their societies for affection to this science, had weekly meetings, in which they examined the antiquities and history of Great Britain preceding the reign of James I., but without excluding any other remarkable antiquities that might be offered to them. From this time the society grew in importance; and in 1750 they unanimously resolved to petition the king for a charter of incorporation. This they obtained the year following, by the influence of the celebrated earl of Hardwicke, then lord-chancellor, and Martin Folkes, Esq.; who was then their president. The king declared himself their founder and patron, and empowered them to have a body of statutes, and a common seal, and to hold in perpetuity lands, &c., to the yearly value of £1000.

The chief object of the inquiries and researches of the society are British antiquities and history; not, however, wholly excluding those of other countries. It must be acknowledged, that the study of antiquity offers to the curious and inquisitive a large field for research and amusement. The inquirer in this branch furnishes the historian with his best materials, while he distinguishes from truth the fictions of a bold invention, and ascertains the credibility of facts; and to the philosopher he presents a fruitful source of ingenious speculation, while he points out to him the way of thinking, and the manners of men, under all the varieties of aspect in which they have appeared.

An antiquarian ought to be a man of solid judgement, possessed of learning and science, that he may not be an enthusiastic admirer of every thing that is ancient merely because it is ancient; but be qualified to distinguish between those researches which are valuable and important, and those which are trifling and useless. It is from the want of these qualifications that some men have contracted such a blind passion for every thing that is ancient, that they have exposed themselves to ridicule, and their study to contempt. But if a regard to utility were always to regulate the pursuits of the antiquarian, the shafts of satire would no longer be levelled at him; but he would be respected as the man who labours to restore or to preserve such ancient productions as are fitted to illuminate religion, philosophy, and history, or to improve the arts of life.

We by no means intend to apply these observations to any particular society of antiquarians; but we throw them out, because we know that an assiduous study of antiquity is apt, like the ardent pursuit of money, to lose sight of its original object, and to degenerate into a passion which mistakes the mean for the end, and considers possession without a regard to utility as enjoyment.

An association similar to that of the Antiquarian Society of London was founded in Edinburgh in 1782, and received the royal charter in 1783. A volume of the transactions of this society has been published; but with the exception of two or three memoirs, it contains little worthy of notice; and accordingly, it has never attracted the attention of the public.

Besides these literary societies here mentioned, there are a great number more in different parts of Europe, some of which are noticed under the article Academy. Those which are omitted are not omitted on account of any idea of their inferior importance; but either be- III. SOCIETIES FOR ENCOURAGING AND PROMOTING ARTS, MANUFACTURES, &c.

1. London Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce, was instituted in the year 1754 by Lord Folkestone, Lord Romney, Dr Stephen Hales, and a few private gentlemen; but the merit of this institution chiefly belonged to Mr William Shipley, an ingenious mechanic; who, though deriving no advantages from learning, by unwearied personal attendance found means to engage a few persons of rank and fortune to meet at Peele's coffeehouse in Fleet-street, and to adopt a plan for promoting arts and manufactures.

The office-bearers of this society are a president, 12 vice-presidents, a secretary, and registrar. Their proceedings are regulated by a body of rules and orders established by the whole society, and printed for the use of the members. All questions and debates are determined by the holding up of hands, or by ballot if required; and no matter can be confirmed without the assent of a majority at two meetings. They invite all the world to propose subjects for encouragement; and whatever is deemed deserving of attention is referred to the consideration of a committee, which, after due inquiry and deliberation, make their report to the whole society, where it is approved, rejected, or altered. A list is printed and published every year of the matters for which they propose to give premiums; which premiums are either sums of money, and those sometimes very considerable ones; or the society's medal in gold or silver, which they consider as the greatest honour they can bestow. All possible care is taken to prevent partiality in the distribution of their premiums, by defining the claimants' names to be concealed, and by appointing committees, (who when they find occasion call to their assistance the most skilful artists) for the strict examination of the real merit of all matters and things brought before them, in consequence of their premiums.

The chief objects of the attention of the Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce, in the application of their revenues, are ingenuity in the several branches of the polite and liberal arts, useful discoveries and improvements in agriculture, manufactures, mechanics, and chemistry, or the laying open of any such to the public; and, in general, all such useful inventions, discoveries, or improvements (though not mentioned in the book of premiums) as may appear to have a tendency to the advantage of trade and commerce.

The following are some of the most important regulations of this society. It is required that the matters for which premiums are offered be delivered in without names, or any intimation to whom they belong; that each particular thing be marked in what manner each claimant thinks fit, such claimant sending with it a paper sealed up, having on the outside a corresponding mark, and on the inside the claimant's name and address; and all candidates are to take notice, that no claim for a premium will be attended to, unless the conditions of the advertisement are fully complied with. No papers shall be opened but such as shall gain premiums, unless where it appears to the society absolutely necessary for the determination of the claim: all the refuse shall be returned unopened, with the matters to which they belong, if inquired after by the marks within two years; after which time, if not demanded, they shall be publicly burnt unopened at some meeting of the society. All the premiums of this society are designed for that part of Great Britain called England, the dominion of Wales, and the town of Berwick upon Tweed, unless expressly mentioned to the contrary. No person shall receive any premium, bounty, or encouragement, from the society for any matter for which he has obtained or proposes to obtain a patent. No member of this society shall be a candidate for or intitled to receive any premium, bounty, or reward whatever, except the honorary medal of the society.

The respectability of the members who compose it may be seen by perusing the list which generally accompanies their transactions. In the last volume (vol. xii.) it occupies no less than 43 pages. Some idea may be formed of the wealth of this society, by observing that the list of their premiums fills 96 pages, and amounts to 250 in number. These consist of gold medals worth from 30 to 50s., and in a few instances to 100 guineas; and silver medals valued at 10 guineas.

This society is one of the most important in Great Britain. Much money has been expended by it, and many are the valuable effects of which it has been productive. Among these we reckon not only the discoveries which it has excited, but the institution of other societies on the same principles to which it has given birth; and we do not hesitate to conclude, that future ages will consider the founding of this society as one of the most remarkable epochs in the history of the arts. We contemplate with pleasure the beneficial effects which must result to this nation and to mankind by the diffusion of such institutions; and rejoice in the hope that the active minds of the people of Great Britain, instead of being employed as formerly in controversies about religion, which engender strife, or in discussions concerning the theory of politics, which lead to the adoption of schemes inconsistent with the nature and condition of man, will soon be more generally united into associations for promoting useful knowledge and solid improvement, and for alleviating the distresses of their fellow creatures.

1. Society instituted at Bath for the Encouragement of Agriculture, Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce. It was founded in the year 1777 by several gentlemen who met at the city of Bath. This scheme met with a very favourable reception both from the wealthy and learned. The wealthy subscribed very liberally, and the learned communicated many important papers. On application to the London and provincial societies instituted for the like purposes, they very politely offered their assistance. Seven volumes of their transactions have already been published, containing very valuable experiments and observations, particularly respecting agriculture, which well deserve the attention of all farmers in the kingdom. We have consulted them with much satisfaction on several occasions, and have frequently referred to them in the course of this work; and therefore, with pleasure, embrace Societies for embracing the present opportunity of repeating our obligations. We owe the same acknowledgments to the Society for the Improvement of Arts, &c., of London.

3. Society for working Mines, an association lately formed on the continent of Europe. This institution arose from the accidental meeting of several mineralogists at Skleno near Schenmuth in Hungary, who were collected in order to examine a new method of amalgamation. Struck with the shackles imposed on mining by monopolizers of new and useful processes, they thought no method so effectual to break them, as forming a society, whose common labours should be directed to fix mining on its surest principles; and whose memoirs, spread all over Europe, might offer to every adventurer the result of the researches, of which they are the object. By these means they supposed, that there would be a mass of information collected; the interests of individuals would be lost in the general interest; and the one would materially assist the other. Imposture and quackery would, by the same means, be banished from a science, which must be improved by philosophy and experience; and the society, they supposed, would find, in the confidence which they inspired, the reward and the encouragement of their labours. They design, that the memoirs which they publish shall be short and clear; truth must be their basis, and every idle diffusion, every foreign digression, must be banished; politics and finance must be avoided, though the dissertations may seem to lead towards them; and they oblige themselves to oppose the affectation of brilliancies, and the ostentation of empty speculation, when compared with plain, simple, and useful facts.

The object of the society is physical geography; mineralogy founded on chemistry; the management of ore in the different operations which it undergoes; subterranean geometry; the history of mining; foundries, and the processes for the extraction of metals from the ores, either by fusion or amalgamation, in every instance applied to practice. The end of this institution is to collect, in the most extensive sense, everything that can assist the operations of the miner, and to communicate it to the different members, that they may employ it for the public good, in their respective countries. Each member must consider himself as bound to send to the society every thing which will contribute to the end of its institution; to point out, with precision, the several facts and observations; to communicate every experiment which occurs, even the unsuccessful ones, if the relation may seem to be advantageous to the public; to communicate to the society their examination of schemes, and their opinions on questions proposed by it; and to pay annually two ducats (about 18s. 6d.) to the direction every Easter. The society, on the other hand, is bound to publish every novelty that shall be communicated to it; to communicate to each member, at the member's expense, the memoirs, designs, models, productions, and every thing connected with the institution; to answer all the necessary demands made, relating in any respect to mining; and to give its opinion on every plan or project communicated through the medium of an honorary member.

The great centre of all intelligence is to be at Zellerfield in Hartz, Brunswick; but the society is not fixed to any one spot; for every particular state some practical mineralogist is nominated as director. Among these are the names of Baron Born, M. Pallas, M. Charpentier, M. Prebra, and M. Henkel. Their office is to propose the members; to take care that the views of the society are pursued in the different countries where they reside; to answer the requests of the members of their manufactures, country who are qualified to make them; in case of the death of a director, to choose another; and the majority is to determine where the archives and the strong box is to be placed.

All the eminent mineralogists in Europe are members of this society. It is erected on so liberal and so extensive a plan, that we entertain the highest hopes of its success; and have only to add, that we wish much to see the study of several other sciences pursued in the same manner.

4. The Society for the Improvement of Naval Architecture, was founded in 1791. The object of it is to encourage every useful invention and discovery relating to naval architecture as far as shall be in their power, both by honorary and pecuniary rewards. They have in view particularly to improve the theories of floating bodies and of the resistance of fluids; to procure draughts and models of different vessels, together with calculations of their capacity, centre of gravity, tonnage, &c.; to make observations and experiments themselves, and to point out such observations and experiments as appear best calculated to further their designs, and most deserving those premiums which the society can bestow. But though the improvement of naval architecture in all its branches be certainly the principal object of this institution, yet the society do not by any means intend to confine themselves merely to the form and structure of vessels. Every subordinate and collateral pursuit will claim a share of the attention of the society in proportion to its merits; and whatever may have any tendency to render navigation more safe, salutary, and even pleasant, will not be neglected.

This institution owes its existence to the patriotic disposition and extraordinary attention of Mr Sewell a private citizen of London, who (though engaged in a line of business totally opposite to all concerns of this kind) has been led, by mere accident, to take such ocular notice of, and make such observations on, the actual state of naval architecture in this country, as naturally occurred to a man of plain understanding, zealous for the honour and interest of his country, and willing to bestow a portion of that time for the public good, which men of a different description would rather have devoted to their own private advantage. His attention was the more seriously excited, by finding that it was the opinion of some private ship-builders, who, in a debate on the failure of one of our naval engagements, pronounced, that such "would ever be the case while that business (the construction of our ships of war) was not studied as a science, but carried on merely by precedent; that there had not been one improvement in our navy that did not originate with the French, who had naval schools and seminaries for the study of it; and that our ships were not a match for those of that nation either singly or in a fleet, &c., &c."

In a short time the society were enabled to offer very considerable premiums for particular improvements in the construction of our shipping, &c., &c. and also to encourage our philosophers, mathematicians, and mechanics, to make satisfactory experiments, tending to ascertain Societies for certain the laws of resistance of water to solids of different forms, in all varieties of circumstance. On this head the reward is not less than one hundred pounds or a gold medal. Other premiums of 50, 30, and 20 guineas, according to the importance or difficulty of the particular subject or point of investigation, are likewise offered, for different discoveries, inventions, or improvements. The terms of admission into the society are a subscription of two guineas annually, or twenty guineas for life.

5. Society of Artists of Great Britain, which consists of directors and fellows, was incorporated by charter in 1765, and empowered to purchase and hold lands, not exceeding 1000l. a-year. The directors of this society, annually elected, are to consist of 24 persons, including the president, vice-president, treasurer, and secretary; and it is required that they be either painters, sculptors, architects, or engravers by profession.

6. British Society for Extending the Fisheries and Improving the Sea-Coasts of this Kingdom, was instituted in 1786. The end and design of this society will best appear from their charter, of which we present an abstract.

The preamble states, "the great want of improvement in fisheries, agriculture, and manufactures, in the Highlands and Islands of North Britain; the prevalence of emigration from the want of employment in those parts; the prospect of a new nursery of seamen, by the establishment of fishing towns and villages in that quarter. The act therefore declares, that the persons therein named, and every other person or persons who shall thereafter become proprietors of the joint stock mentioned therein, shall be a distinct and separate body politic and corporate, by the name of The British Society for Extending the Fisheries and Improving the Sea-Coasts of this Kingdom: That the said society may raise a capital joint stock not exceeding 150,000l. to be applied to purchasing or otherwise acquiring lands and tenements in perpetuity, for the building thereon, and on no other land whatever, free towns, villages, and fishing stations: That the joint stock shall be divided into shares of 50l. each: That no person shall in his or her name possess more than ten shares, or 500l.: That the society shall not borrow any sum or sums of money whatsoever: That the sums to be advanced for this undertaking, and the profits arising therefrom, shall be divided proportionally to the sum subscribed; and that no person shall be liable for a larger sum than he or she the share have respectively subscribed: That one or two shares shall entitle to one vote and no more, in person or by proxy, at all meetings of proprietors; three or four shares to two votes; five, six, or seven shares, to three votes; eight or nine shares to four votes; and ten shares to five votes and no more: That more persons than one inclining to hold in their joint names one or more shares shall be entitled to vote, by one of such persons, according to the priority of their names, or by proxy: That bodies corporate shall vote by proxy under their seal: That all persons holding proxies shall be proprietors, and that no one person shall hold more than five votes by proxy: That the affairs of the society shall be managed by a governor, deputy governor, and 13 other directors, to be elected annually on the 25th of March, from among the proprietors of the society, holding at least one full share, by signed lists of their names to be transmitted by the proprietors to the secretary of the society: that five proprietors, not being governor, director, or other officer, shall be in like manner annually elected to audit the accounts of the society: That there shall be one general meeting of the proprietors annually on the 25th of March: That occasional general meetings shall be called on the request of nine or more proprietors: That the general meetings of the proprietors shall make all bye-laws and constitutions for the government of the society, and for the good and orderly carrying on of the business of the same: That no transfer shall be made of the stock of the society for three years from the 16th of August 1786: That the cash of the society shall be lodged in the bank of England, bank of Scotland, or the royal bank of Scotland: That no director, proprietor, agent, or officer of the society, shall retain any sum or sums of money in his hands beyond the space of 30 days, on any account whatsoever: That all payments by the society shall be made by drafts on the said banks, under the hands of the governor or deputy-governor, counter-signed by the secretary or his deputy, and two or more directors: And that the books in which the accounts of the society shall be kept shall be open to all the proprietors."

The institution of this public-spirited society was in a great measure owing to the exertions of the patriotic John Knox; who, in the course of 23 years, traversed and explored the Highlands of Scotland not fewer than 16 times, and expended several thousand pounds of his own fortune in pursuing his patriotic designs.

7. British Wool Society. See British Wool Society.

SOCIETY Isles, a cluster of isles, so named by Captain Cook in 1769. They are situated between the latitudes of 16° 10' and 16° 55' south, and between the longitudes of 150° 37' and 152° west. They are eight in number; namely, Otahete, Huaheine, Ulietea, Otaha, Bolabola, Maurua, Tooouai, and Tabooyamanoo or Saunders's Island. The soil, productions, people, their language, religion, customs, and manners, are so nearly the same as at Otahete, that little need be added here on that subject. Nature has been equally bountiful in uncultivated plenty, and the inhabitants are as luxurious and as indolent. A plantain branch is the emblem of peace, and exchanging names the greatest token of friendship. Their dances are more elegant, their dramatic entertainments have something of plot and constancy, and they exhibit temporary occurrences as the objects of praise or satire; so that the origin of ancient comedy may be already discerned among them. The people of Huaheine are in general flouter and fairer than those of Otahete, and this island is remarkable for its populousness and fertility. Those of Ulietea, on the contrary, are smaller and blacker, and much less orderly. Captain Cook put on shore a Cape ewe at Bolabola, where a ram had been left by the Spaniards; and also an English boar and sow, with two goats, at Ulietea. If the valuable animals which have been transported thither from Europe should be suffered to multiply, no part of the world will equal these islands in variety and abundance of refreshments for future navigators.