THE 
R E P A . C E. 
H.E numerous Societies, for the pro¬ 
motion of Literature and Philofoph)^ 
which have been formed in different 
parts of Europe, in the courfe of the laft and 
prefent centuries, have been not only the means 
of diffufing knowledge more extenfively, but 
have contributed to produce a greater number of 
important difcoveries, than have been effe&ed 
in any other equal lpace of time. 
The progrefs that has been made in Phyfics 
and the Belles Lettres, owes its rapidity, if not 
its origin, to the encouragement which thefe 
Societies have given to fuch puifuits, and to the 
emulation which has been excited between dif¬ 
ferent academical bodies, as well as among the 
individual Members of eacli inftitution. The 
colle&ing and publifhing the more important 
communications which have been delivered to 
A 3 them. 
