2 FORMATION OF THE SOCIETY : UNPUBLISHED RECORDS. 
towns of the West Riding at which communications should be 
received and discussed, and to publish proceedings containing the 
papers, reports, and transactions of the Society. While these subjects 
would occupy the principal attention of the Society, it was considered 
desirable to extend its operation to whatever was connected with 
the staple manufactures of the Riding, together with the bearings of 
geology and chemistry upon agriculture, and the application of 
mechanical inventions to the common arts of life. 
A preliminary meeting of coal owners was held at Wakefield, and 
after considerable discussion, on the proposition of Mr. T. W. Embleton, 
a committee was formed, and it was decided to issue the following 
circular calling a meeting of this committee : — 
At a meeting of the under-mentioned coal and iron-masters, 
held at the Strafford Arms Inn, Wakefield, on Friday, the 1st 
December, 1837 : — 
Present : Messrs. Briggs, Embleton, Smithson, John Wilson, 
Field, Porter, Thorp, Twibell, Stansfield, S. Cooper, W. Cooper, 
Hopwood, Jos. Charlesworth, Clarke, Biram, Joseph Cliarlesworth, 
Jun., and Thomas Wilson. 
It having been suggested, that a Society for collecting and re- 
cording Geological and Mechanical information, in connection with 
the Coal Measures and Coal Trade generally of the West Riding of 
Yorkshire, would be highly desirable. Resolved — That the following 
gentlemen constitute a Committee, to make the requisite arrange- 
ments, and to prepare a scheme for a Society : — 
Messrs. Briggs, Embleton, Smithson, John Wilson, Field, Porter, 
Thorp, Twibell, Jno. Charlesworth, Hartop, Leah, Jno, Chambers, 
and Matt. Chambers, ot Tliorncliffe ; Sayle, Jno. Walker, C. Morton, 
Morley, of Garforth ; Brakenridge, Chambers, Jun., Holmes, S. Clark, 
of Holmes ; G. Wilson, Stansfield, Samuel Cooper, W. Cooper, 
Hopwood, James Andrew, Jos. Charlesworth, Jos. Charlesworth, Jun., 
Clarke, Biram, Thomas Wilson, Henry Holt, William Graham, 
Christ. Dawson, L. Hird, Casson, Booth, Jeffcock, and Ingham. 
That the first Meeting of the Committee be held at the Royal Hotel, 
Wakefield, on Thursday, the 14th December, at 11 o'clock. 
(Signed), Thomas Wilson, chairman. 
