20tj Sir John Evans. [Jun. 17. 



sake of lucre." Eventually, in 1736, it was resolved that a medal of 

 the value of 5, to hear the arms of the Society, should be awarded 

 to the author of the most important scientific discovery or contribu- 

 tion to science by experiment or otherwise. The weight of the 

 medal was fixed at 1 oz. 2 dwts. of fine gold. In 1831 is was resolved 

 that the Copley Medal shall be awarded to the living author of such 

 philosophical research, either published or communicated to the 

 Society, as may appear to the Council to be deserving of that honour. 

 The particulars of the subject of the research are to be specified in 

 the award, and there is to be no limitation as to the period when 

 the research was made, or the country to which the author may 

 belong. 



Owing to the payments for the lecture and the medal being some- 

 what less than the dividends received, a balance has gradually accu- 

 mulated in favour of the fund, amounting to over 100. This, how- 

 ever, is now being gradually reduced, for in the year 1881, Sir 

 Joseph Copley, Bart., transferred to the Society a sum of 1666 13s. 4d. 

 3 per cent. Consols, " to provide in perpetuity a yearly bonus of 50, 

 to be given to the recipient of the Copley Medal." So long as the 

 interest was at 3 percent., the income of 50 was produced, but now 

 that it is reduced to 2f per cent., with the near prospect of falling 

 to 2f per cent., it is insufficient for the gift. So long, however, as 

 there has been a balance in hand in favour of the fund, the Council 

 has thought well to fulfil Sir Joseph Copley's liberal intention. 



No. 5. THE KECK BEQUEST. 



In the year 1719 a bequest of 500 was received from Mr. Robert 

 Keck, who directed that the profits arising from it were " to be 

 bestowed on some one of the Fellows, whom they shall appoint to 

 carry on a foreign correspondence." For many years this bequest was 

 merged in the general funds of the Society, and the proceeds applied 

 towards the payment of the Foreign Secretary. In 1881 it was again 

 made to appear as a separate trust fund, and 666 13s. 4id. Consols 

 was allotted as the equivalent. This has, at the present time, been 

 converted into 800 Midland Railway 3 per cent. Debenture Stock, 

 and the proceeds are annually paid to the Foreign Secretary, who 

 now receives no other honorarium. 



No. 6. THE WiA'TEixGHAM FUND. 



In 1794 a sum of 1200 Consols was bequeathed to the Society by 

 Sir Clifton Whitringbam, M.D., a Fellow, payable on the decease of 

 his widow, and subject to certain conditions. It was not, however, 

 until 1842 that, after a tedious law suit, an amount of 1200 Consols 



