396 



there is some general connexion between the objects of such institu- 

 tions, greater aggregate results, and even a greater disposition to co- 

 operate, may be expected from a suitable division of labour and respon- 

 sibility than from any consolidation that could be effected. 



''The long established and comprehensive character of the Eoj^al 

 Dublin Societ}^ has already made it, to some extent, a point of union 

 for the other local institutions for the cultivation of science and art ; 

 and when its constitution shall have been strengthened, and its means of 

 instruction enlarged in the manner we have recommended, this tendency 

 to approximate is likely to be increased. Eeal public benefit would 

 ensue from voluntary affiliation of this kind, even if it did not go be- 

 yond a general recognition of the precedence due to the Eoyal Dublin 

 Society, and an occasional comparison of what is in progress in each in- 

 stitution, in order to secure harmonious action, and as much reciprocal 

 aid as the nature of the case admits." 



The following Eesolutions were unanimously adopted : — 



I. That the Eoyal Irish Academy regards with surprise and alarm 

 the suggestion contained in the Eeport of the Commissioners of Inquiry 

 respecting Scientific Instruction in Ireland, that the Academy should be 

 placed under the superintendence, and to some extent under the control, 

 of the Council of the Eoyal Dublin Society. 



II. That the Commissioners appointed by the Treasury to inquire 

 into a number of Scientific Institutions, including this Academy, have 

 made the above recommendation without examining any of its Officers, 

 or even notifying their intention of taking evidence affecting its inte- 

 rests. 



III. That such an arrangement would be incompatible with the 

 dignity of an Academy incorporated as this is by Eoyal Charter, and 

 would tend to lower it in the estimation of the public ; — would be de- 

 structive of the independence and freedom of action of the gentlemen by 

 whose unpaid agency the work of the Academy is, in a great measure, 

 performed ; — and would inevitably lead to misunderstanding and colli- 

 sion between bodies which have always occupied, and ought still to 

 occupy, distinct, though equally important, spheres of action. In fact, 

 the objections to such an arrangement felt by the Members of the Eoyal 

 Irish Academy are such as would be felt by the Members of the Eoyal 

 Society of London to a proposal to submit them, in any degree, to the 

 control of the Society of Arts. 



IV. That the Academy entirely dissents from the opinion expressed 

 in the Eeport of the Commissioners, to the effect that real public benefit 

 would ensue from afiiliation of this Academy to any other Society. 



Y. That the only other reason assigned by the Commissioners for an 

 innovation which would thus compromise the honour and interests of an 

 important ITational Institution is an alleged official convenience of the 

 most inconsiderable kind. 



