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It ]s likewife neceiTary on this occafion to remark, that it is an efla--- 

 bliflied rule of the Society, to which they will always adhere, never to 

 give their opinion, as a Body, upon any rubje6t, either of Nature or Art,. 

 that comes before them. And therefore the thanks, which are fre- 

 quently propofed f\-om the chair, to be given to the authors of fuch pa- 

 pers as are read at their accuftomed meetings, or to the perfons through: 

 whofe hands they receive them, are to be confidered in no other light 

 than as a matter of civility, in return for the refpefi iliewn to the Society 

 by thofe communications. The like alfo is to be faid with regard to 

 the fever al projects, inventions, and curiofities of various kinds, which 

 are often exhibited to the Society ; the authors whereof, or thofe wh^ 

 exhibit thera, frequently take the liberty to report, and even to certify 

 in the public news-papers, that they have met with the highefl applanfe 

 and approbation. And therefore it is hoped, that no regard will here-- 

 after be paid to fuch reports, and public notices ; which in fome inftances? 

 have beert too lightly credited, to the diflionour of the Society, 



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