300 THE EARLY HISTORY OF [CHAP. V. 



was resolved unanimously that the election of managers 

 and visitors should be for one year only. Notice was 

 given of alterations of the bye-laws on June 4, for the 

 election of members in accordance with the new Act of 

 Parliament. 



The first monthly meeting of members was held on 

 Monday, May 7. A committee of members was ap- 

 pointed to act with a committee of managers and 

 visitors in drawing up bye-laws. 



On June 4 the bye-laws were read, and on July 2 they 

 were proposed to the members chapter by chapter and 

 article by article, and their consideration was continued 

 on the 4th and 5th. On the 6th the election of 

 thirty-two members took place ; among them was 

 Davy. 



On August 6 ' Humphry Davy, Esq.,' the first of the 

 newly-elected members, ' having paid his admission fee 

 and given his bond for his annual payments, was 

 admitted a member of the Royal Institution.' Dr. 

 Wollaston was this day proposed as member. 



On November 29 a special general meeting of members 

 was held to ballot for three scientific and literary 

 committees. The ballot lasted for ten minutes. For 

 mathematics, mechanics, and mechanical inventions, 

 twenty-five members were elected ; the same number 

 for chemistry, geology, and mineralagy ; and twenty-five 

 for general science, literature, and arts. 



At the December meeting of the members Mr. Auriol 

 signified his desire of resigning the secretaryship. 



This year, by order of a committee of the House of 

 Lords, the clerk of the House wrote to the secretary of 



