vi THE ROYAL DUBLIN SOCIETY 



societies then existing in Europe 1 He added that a 

 history of its transactions would be a work extremely 

 useful to Ireland, as in every part of that country he 

 had found traces of the Society's influence, exercised 

 by means of instruction. The origin of the Society 

 was attributed by Young to a single individual, Dr. 

 Samuel Madden, whom he pronounced to be one 

 of the most patriotic men that any country had 

 produced. 



The present members of the Society, as well as the 

 general public, may have certain ideas as to the utility 

 and importance of its work in the past, without any 

 definite conception of the varied and comprehensive 

 character of the very thorough methods adopted in 

 the course of their labours by the long line of 

 distinguished men who joined in carrying out the 

 Society's objects. It is well that now, at the close of 

 nearly two centuries, through the public spirit of Lord 

 Ardilaun, the details can be systematised, and some 

 account in historical shape be given of its endeavours, 

 so that the innumerable obligations under which our 

 country stands to generations of Irishmen who have 

 worked for the common good under its auspices may 

 be recognised. 



The multitude of interests which from time to 



time occupied the attention of the Society is striking, 



and while many great undertakings were carried out, 



nothing appeared too small or insignificant for the 



1 Young meant that it was the precursor of all existing agri- 

 cultural societies — not the very first of its class. The Scottish 

 Society of Improvers in the Knowledge of Agriculture, which had 

 similar objects in view, was founded in June 1723, lasting to 1745. 



