C iv ] 



It is likewife necclTary on this occafion to remark, that it is an cfta* 

 bliihed rule of the Society, to which they will always adhere, never tO' 

 give their opinion, as a Body, upon any fubjeft, either of Nature or Arty 

 that comes before them. And therefore the thanks, which are fre- 

 quently propofed from the chair, to be given to the authors of fuch pa- 

 pers as are read at their accuflomed meetings, or to the perfons through 

 whofc hands they receive rhem, are to be confidered in no other light 

 than as a- matter of civility, in return for the refped fhewn to the Society 

 by thofe communications. The like alfo is to be faid with regard to 

 the feveral projefls, inventions, and curiofities of various kinds, which. 

 ^re often exhibited to the Society ; the authors whei^eof, or thofe wh» 

 exhibit them, frequently take the liberty to report, and even to certify 

 in the public news-papers, that they have met with the higheft applamfe 

 and approbation. And therefore it is hoped, that no regard will here- 

 Efter be paid to fuch reports, and public notices ; which in fome in(lanc§3 

 have been too lightly credited, to the diflionour of the Society,. . 





