OUTLINES OF A NEW SOCIETY. 449 
features of the contemplated association ; and, if 
its necessity be conceded, it is impossible it can be 
founded upon better principles. It is urged as a 
reason for such a society, that no effectual support 
can be expected from government either in the way 
of creating a scientific tribunal, whose opinions 
would deserve the confidence of the nation, or in 
bestowing titular or honorary distinctions, by which 
the true philosopher can be recognised from the 
mere pretender, or the wealthy amateur. It is 
likewise argued, that the Royal Society, up to the 
present time, has done nothing to reform its in- 
ternal government, or to remove the least of those 
complaints that have been urged against it from so 
many quarters.* It is further contended, and we 
think justly, that such a society, by the difficulty 
there would be of belonging to it, would at once 
concentrate the united talents of the kingdom, to 
the exclusion of all common-place merit ; and that it 
would consequently become an object of the highest 
ambition with men of science, to be enrolled among 
its members. Whether the meetings were held in 
a palace or a hovel, would be perfectly immaterial ; 
for all who had scientific ambition would ardently 
desire to be of the élite: they would find that 
neither titles, nor wealth, nor interest, would avail 

* It should be stated, however, that full and very satis- 
factory accounts of the pecuniary transactions of the society 
have recently been printed and sent to the members. The 
publication of the president’s speeches is also an improve- 
ment. But the contemplated plan of recruiting the funds of 
the society, by increasing the admission fees, is only an aggra- 
vation of the evils detailed at p. 434. 
GG 
