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pose, not merely of preserving, but of promoting science and 



These societies were known in ancient times, and were es- 

 tablished first after the revival of letters in Italy, under the 

 name of Academies. Upwards of five hundred of them ex- 

 isted in the Italian territories alone. The example was fol- 

 lowed, sooner or later, in every quarter of Europe, and has 

 been imitated in our own country. 



Of these institutions, or at least of certain favorite ones, it 

 has been the fashion for ecclesiastical and political dignitaries 

 to become the patrons. The academy at Alexandria was pa- 

 tronized by the Ptolemies. The Arab caliphs patronized aca- 

 demies both in the west and in the east. The academies of 

 Italy were patronized by her merchant kings. The princes 

 of Germany have not failed to afford a hke condescending 

 countenance and support. Even Russia has her academies, 

 and some of the most extensive and magnificent which exist, 

 in like manner under imperial sufferance and protection. 



Now it must be admitted that these associations, as well as 

 the educational foundations, which have occupied ground with 

 this sort of southern aspect, though sometimes in danger of 

 being dazzled or scorched from a too direct and near exposure 

 to a gorgeous and burning sunshine, on the whole have de- 

 rived advantages from their position, which have been essen- 

 tial to the success and glory that have attended their career. 

 It has happened generally, that kings have taken care to open 

 reservoirs near the throne, into which a large portion of the 

 surplus wealth of their respective kingdoms has been uniform- 

 ly gathered. And so it has been found, from motives almost 

 as various as the instances, that they have been induced to let 



to 1 h have tlicnce felt at once the benefit and the 

 burthen of their patronizing and ostentatious munificence. 

 But while contemplating the golden showers that have been 

 shed on such estabhshments from these high latitudes, we 

 must not forget the fertilizing effect of those copious irrigations 

 which have been supplied to them from sources of individual 

 and private bounty, nor the living influence of those "perpetu- 



