H I S T R T 



o F 



THE SOCIETY. 



THE inftitution of Societies of learned men, who 

 have united their labours for the cultivation of Phi- 

 lofophy, or of Literature, is of an ancient date in 

 feveral polifhed nations of Europe. It is, however, 

 for the honour of Great Britain to have fet the firft example 

 of an inftitution for thefe purpofes, incorporated by charter 

 from the Sovereign, and carrying on its refearches under his 

 patronage. A hint of this kind, to the Prince then reign- 

 ing, is found in the works of Lord BACON *, who recom- 

 mends, as one of the opera vere bafilica, the eflablifhment of 

 Academies or Societies of learned men, who ihould give, from 



(A) time 



* BACON de Augment. Sclent. 1. 2. 



