[ iv ] 



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 communi- 

 cations. 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. 



