Earl of Bridgewater^s Bequest. 33 



This is Mr. Smith's case exactly ; he has devoted the whole 

 of his fortune towards the illustration of the geology of his native 

 country: and this noble prize, founded by one of the ornaments 

 of our race, has been adjudged to him, because he, more than 

 any man alive, really deserved it. F. 



THE EARL OF BRIDGEWATER'S BEQUEST. 



The unjust censure which has been lately passed upon the 

 Geological Society of London, for using the discretionary powers 

 vested in them, in awarding the first Wollaston Medal to Mr. 

 William Smith, will eventually lead to an inquiry into the man- 

 ner in which all similar trusts have been executed both in Eu- 

 rope and this country. We therefore present our readers with 

 the following very interesting statement. We ourselves consider 

 Mr. Davies Gilbert to have acted with great judgment upon this 

 occasion. Had he announced this splendid prize for the thousand 

 and one writers, ever ready to enter the field, and to cabal with 

 their friends for the preference, he would effectually have ex- 

 cluded the eminent persons he has appointed. They are not 

 men to devote their time to objects of uncertain attainment. At 

 present the world may be sure the important trust will be wor- 

 thily executed, being confided to individuals who have every mo- 

 tive that can urge men to distinguish themselves, comprehending 

 their own and their country's reputation, and bei?ig well paid for 

 their labours. Editor. 



" Statement respecting the Legacy left by the late Earl of Bridgewater, for 

 rewarding the authors of works, to be published in pursuance of his Will, 

 and demonstrative of the Divine attributes, as manifested in the Creation." By 

 Davies Gilbert, M. P. V. P. R. S. 



TO THE EDITORS OF THE PHILOSOPHICAL MAGAZINE AND ANNALS. 



Gentlemen, — The following short statement respecting the late 

 Earl of Bridgewater's legacy of eight thousand pounds, and of the 

 final arrangements made in consequence of it, may possibly be 

 thought not unworthy of a place in your Journal. 



The Rev. and Right Honourable Thomas Henry Egerton, Earl 

 of Bridgewater, died in the month of February, 1829, at Paris, 

 leaving his last will and testament, bearing date on the 25th Feb- 

 ruary, 182r>, in which he desired and directed his trustees to lay 

 Vol. I.— 5 



