[ vi J 



upon any subject, either of Nature or Art, that comes before them. And therefore the 

 thanks, which are frequently proposed from the Chair, to be given to the authors of 

 such papers as are read at their accustomed meetings, or to the persons through whose 

 hands they received them, are to be considered in no other light than as a matter of 

 civility, in return for the respect shown to the Society by those communications. The 

 like also is to be said with regard to the several projects, inventions, and curiosities of 

 various kinds, which are often exhibited to the Society ; the authors whereof, or those 

 who exhibit them, frequently take the liberty to report, and even to certify in the 

 public newspapers, that they have met with the highest applause and approbation. 

 And therefore it is hoped that no regard will hereafter be paid to such reports and 

 public notices ; which in some instances have been too lightly credited, to the 

 dishonour of the Society. 



