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circumstance that he combined at the same time, high scientific 

 attainments, accurate geographical and commercial information, sound 

 practical knowledge of the arts and manufactures, and an intimate 

 acquaintance with the habits, customs, and prejudices of the people 

 of India, and a full appreciation of the capabilities of the country. 



RICHARD HORSMAN SOLLY, born in 1778, was educated and 

 took his degree at Magdalen College, Oxford ; he entered for the Bar, 

 but being heir to an ample fortune, he relinquished the legal profes- 

 sion as soon as he had completed the preliminary course of study ; 

 treating it rather as an amusement than as an occupation, and aban- 

 doning it as soon as he had been called to the Bar. At an early age 

 he became attached to scientific pursuits, joined most of the scientific 

 societies of London, and took an active interest in their management 

 and welfare. He was one of the original promoters of the Royal 

 Institution in 1800, and during a period of more than forty years was 

 a constant attendant at its meetings and an active member of its 

 committees. He also took part in the formation of the Geological 

 and Horticultural Societies, serving repeatedly in the Council of the 

 latter as well as of the Linnean Society. He was a warm supporter 

 of the Society for the Encouragement of Arts, and for a period of 

 many years was unwearied in attending its meetings, and ever liberal 

 towards its objects ; a large number of the mechanical engravings 

 which embellished the Transactions of that Society, were furnished at 

 his expense. 



Mr. H. Solly was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1807, 

 and without pretending to high scientific standing in any one depart- 

 ment of knowledge, was possessed of a very considerable amount of 

 general information in most branches of natural science, more espe- 

 cially vegetable physiology and systematic botany ; and though sel- 

 dom occupying himself with original observations or investigations, 

 he did good service in the cause of science, being always ready to aid 

 young inquirers with advice, encouragement, and pecuniary assistance. 



In connexion with the Society of Arts, he devoted much careful 

 consideration towards improving the mechanical and chemical pro- 

 cesses of the engraver, more especially with reference to the printing 

 of bank-notes and other similar documents of such elaborate designs 

 and perfect execution as should render forgery impossible. In the 



