Foreign Literature and Science. 365 
be acquired without producing in themselves serious advan- 
ces in science as well as in manual dexterity. 
The objects of the society are thus mentioned in their 
address—“ the perfecting of our knowledge of the latitudes 
and longitudes of places in every region of the globe; the 
improvement of the lunar theory, and that of the figure of 
the earth, by occultations, appulses, and eclipses, simulta- 
neously observed in different situations ; the advancement 
of our knowledge of the laws of atmospherical refraction in 
different climates, by corresponding observations of the 
fixed stars ; the means of determining more correctly the 
orbits of comets, by observations made in the most distant 
parts of the world; and in general the frequent opportuni- 
ties afforded to a society holding an extensive correspon- 
dence of amassing materials, which (though separately of 
small importance) may by their union become not only 
interesting at the present time, but also valuable as subjects 
of reference in future.” 'The society, in the conclusion of 
their address, sum up their views as follows: to encourage 
and promote their peculiar science by every means in their 
power, but especially by collecting, reducing and publishing 
useful observations and tables; by setting on foot a minute 
and systematic examination of the heavens; by encourag- 
mg a general spirit of enquiry in practical astronomy; 
by establishing communications with foreign observers ; 
circulating notice of all remarkable phenomena about to 
happen and of discoveries as they arise; by comparing the 
merits of different artists eminent in the construction of as- 
tronomical instruments; by proposing prizes for the im- 
provement of particular departments and bestowing medals 
or rewards on successful research in all; and finally by act- 
ing as far as possible, in concert with every institution, both 
- in England. and abroad, whose objects have any thing in 
common with their own; but avoiding all interference with 
the objects and interests of established scientific bodies. 
Extract of a letter to the Editor, from a gentleman in Glas- 
gow. 
Our streets and shops are now lighted by gas, which is 
here, as every where else, found to be a most important 
improvement. New streets, almost without number, have 
been begun, and are advancing rapidly. In George’s. 
Vor. IL.....No.2: 47 
