296 THE EAKLY HISTOEY OF [CHAP. V. 



foundation, and the Koyal Institution having fortu- 

 nately taken the form of a body for promoting experi- 

 mental science and for diffusing every species of philo- 

 sophical knowledge, it is obvious that the principles 

 upon which its funds are to be raised and its members 

 elected will require considerable alteration. 



c On the new plan it is proposed upon a compensation, 

 which, after long discussion, has been regarded as the 

 most equitable, to do away entirely the saleable and 

 hereditary rights, so as to leave no vestiges of them in 

 the constitution of the body, and to elect new members, 

 properly recommended, only by ballot. 



'The original scheme, by making the proprietary 

 interest perpetual, left no means for the renovation of 

 the funds, except by adding new burdens to the 

 establishment. 



6 In giving up their private interests for the purpose 

 of founding what may be called a national establish- 

 ment, the proprietors of the Eoyal Institution have a 

 right to expect the support and encouragement of their 

 countrymen; and though they will be promoting a 

 general benefit, yet they may perhaps make a particular 

 appeal to some of the most distinguished classes of 

 society to the great landed proprietors. Whatever 

 specimens they send will be carefully examined and 

 reported upon. The simple truth will be stated by 

 men whose character, as well as motives, will secure 

 them from any suspicion of inaccuracy ; and, if a general 

 system of this kind is pursued, much error and dis- 

 appointment, and even dishonesty, will be prevented. 

 6 On the attention of the statesman and the politician 



