THE ROYAL SOCIETY AND THE STATE 



with the Government. The Royal Society is a private 

 learned body, consisting of a voluntary and independent 

 association of students of science united for the pro- 

 motion of Natural Knowledge at their own cost. 



[The identity of life of the Royal Society, as shown 

 in its aims and in its work, has continued with a singular 

 persistency from its foundation to the present time, 

 though no doubt its life has been more vigorously active 

 during some periods of its history than at others. 



The Royal Society, as it exists to-day, can scarcely 

 be more accurately described than in the words of a 

 manuscript poem preserved in the British Museum, written 

 soon after the Society's incorporation nearly two centuries 

 and a half ago 



"This noble learned corporation, 



Not for themselves are thus combined 

 To prove all things by demonstration, 

 But for the public good of the nation 

 And general benefit of mankind." 



The contemporary poet, Cowley, describes the newly 

 incorporated Royal Society more concisely, and certainly 

 with more poetic feeling, in a single line 



"So human for its use, for knowledge so divine." 



From its incorporation by Charles n. to the present 

 time, the Royal Society has, with untiring energy and 

 with steadfast aim, pursued the great object for which 

 it was founded, " The improvement of Natural Know- 

 ledge " ; and during long periods of scientific gloom has 



63 



