1 62 A Review of some leading Points in the Official Character 



classify, the results of the individual energies of its members, 

 however diversified their several pursuits, or however varied the 

 stations in political society wliich they occupy. Thus has the 

 Royal Society proceeded in dtfterent periods of its history. It 

 did not expel Isaac Newto7i at a time when he was too poor to 

 defray tlie weekly charges of the Society ; nor did it refuse to 

 admit Edmimd Stone, or Thomas Simpson, oy Jaines Ferguson, 

 although one had been a gai'dener's son, the other a weaver, 

 and the third a shepherd. 



These, and other important benefits, likely to accrue from the 

 voluntary association of men of science, may undoubtedly be pre- 

 served, although any one of their number chosen to be their Pre- 

 sident should continue such for a scries of years, or aitiiough he 

 be a man of elevated or noble rank. The history of the Royal 

 Society presents instances of this kind; as will be evident from 

 the subjoined list of Presidents from the commencement of the 

 Society to the present tinie^'. But, in order that benefits like 

 these may continue to result, be it recollected, as has alwavs 

 been observed, and will doubtless in future be found, that the 

 Presidents of the Royal Society who most successfully promote 

 its interests, are men ardently attached to some one branch of 

 science, yet not depredators of other departments of human 

 research, n^en of candour, men free from the love of political in- 

 trigue, and free from its usual associate — the love of domination. 



It will appear evident, then, without further preliminary ob- 

 servation, that the character, disposition, and talents, of a Presi- 



* Presidents of the Royal Society from its origin. 



Elected. Yearx in office. 



Lord Viscount Rrouncker .... April Hifl.'} . . 14 



Sir Joseph Williamson, Knt. . . . Nov. 1677 • - -^ 



Sir Christopher Wren, Knt. . . . Nov. 1(J80 . . 2 



Sir John Hoskins, Bart Nov. 1082 . . 1 



Sir Cvril Wvche, Bart Nov. 16S3 . . 1 



Samuel Pep'ys, Esq Dec. 1684 . . 2 



EarlofCarbery Nov. 168G . . 3 



Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery. Nov. 1689 . . I 



Sir Robert South neli, Knt. '. . . Dec. 1690 . . 5 



Earl of Halifax (.Cha. Montague, Esq.) Nov, 16i)5 . . o 



Lord Somers Nov. 1698 . . 5 



Sir Isaac Newton, Knt Nov. 1703 . . 24 



Sir Hans Sloane, Bart Nov. 1727 . . 14 



Martin Folkes, Esq Nov. 1 744 . . II 



Earl of Macclesfield Nov. 1752 . . 12 



Earl of Morton Nov. 1 764 . . 4 



James Burrow, Esq Sept. 1768 . . 



Jame.s West, Esq Nov. 1768 . . 4 



James B\irro\v, Esq July 1772 . . 



Sir John Prin£;le, Bart Nov. 1 "J'i . . C 



Mr. afterwards Sir Joseph Banks, Bart. Nov. 17/8 • .41 



dent 



