J792. ^71 the Swedijh academy, bt 



eultivate it is confined within narrow bounds ; and, 

 * tinlefs a language be fixed by determinate laws, it 

 will always be of small repute. Great writers raiss 

 the reputation of a language ; and, to admit of fine 

 writing, it is necefsary that the language be already 

 formed. Such is the object of the great work of 

 which I this day lay the foundation. It is you, 

 gentlemen, that I have chosen to give a consistency 

 to the Swediih language, and to bring tcperfec- 

 tion my enterprise. 



" Knowledge, genius, and taste are requisite here ; 

 they are all equally necefsary, though they are 

 rarely found united. It was, therefore, necefsary 

 to form a^ afscciation of difi'erent persons, some of 

 whom, ardent in the pursuit of polite literature, 

 have given free' scope to their inclination, and. have 

 made- it the chief object of their studies ; others, 

 by the extent of their erudition, have fixed their 

 judgement by principles founded on the autha- 

 rity of nations and the course of ages ; others', 

 formed in businefs, and in the best companj-, have 

 refined their perception, by the circumspection 

 which exalted stations require, and that contiuup,! 

 change of company which their employment hath 

 brought them into ; circumstances which requisc 

 prudence in discourse, and that choice of words 

 which forms the delicacy of taste, which gives ta 

 each word its true meaning, and prescribes limits 

 to its signification. 



" If a society so formed, can answer the end 

 which I propose, I ought to expect every thing 

 from this of which I this day confirm the institution. 



