364 Foreign Laterature and Science. 
Astronomical Society of London. 
Since the publication of the last number of this Journal, 
the following communication has been received. We cheer- 
fully give it publicity, both from a disposition to promote 
the great object in view, and from sentiments of personal 
respect towards the individual whose signature is attached 
to the letter. 
‘“ Lonpon, March 10, 1820. 
Proressor SILLIMAN, 
Sir; 
Having been requested by some friends to the Astro- 
nomical Society to send some of their plans and regulations 
so the public societies in America, and persons there who 
might be disposed to take an interest in this branch of 
knowledge, I with pleasure comply with their wishes ip 
requesting your acceptance of the enclosed plan, hoping 
that its laudable object may meet with encouragement and 
communications. From the attention that has been paid to 
astronomy in America, and its great importance as an ob- 
ject of utility, I hope great benefits may arise from collect- 
ing and circulating knowledge in this branch of science, 
and that it may tend to facilitate our mutual mtercourse, 
and promote the happiness and security of mankind. 
I have the honour to subscribe myself, 
Sir, 
Your most obedient humble servant, 
WM. VAUGHAN. 
With the above letter, we received the address and con- 
stitution of the society, and a list of its officers and mem- 
bers. Among its members, we observe the names not only 
of some of the first astronomers and philosophers of Great 
Britain, but of some of her most eminent artists. ‘This is 
very proper ; fora Herscueut, a Masxexyne, ora New- 
TON, cannot ‘advance a step in observing the phenomena of 
the heavens without the assistance of a DoLuonp, a Cary, 
er a 'Troveuton ; and the skill of these last can scarcely 
