of Edinburgh, Session 1862 - 63 . 5 
Eoyal Society of Edinburgh was formally constituted in 1783, and 
that of Dublin, or the Eoyal Irish Academy, in 1785. Both arose 
out of societies previously existing, though of a more private 
character, and not incorporated. As most interesting to us, I 
shall presently proceed to trace the rise of the Eoyal Society of 
Edinburgh. 
But before giving an account of this, let me interpose a remark 
on the organisation of such societies generally. Even in early times, 
they differed from one another in respect of being either under the 
direct influence of the State, or of being merely private associations. 
This distinction continues to the present day. The French Aca- 
demies, for example, are national institutions, and the members 
receive salaries from public funds. The Eoyal Societies of this 
country, on the other hand, are free from even the vestige of 
State control, and pursue their aims without pecuniary objects, 
and according to their own regulations. This is not the place to 
discuss the advantage of the two systems, in favour of each of 
which something may be said. The place of a salaried acade- 
mician is often really desirable for those whose fortunes do not 
enable them to pursue the unremunerative paths of science and 
literature. On the other hand, the pecuniary gain is liable to give 
rise to motives less pure than mere honorary distinctions can do, 
on the part both of candidates for the post and of the academical 
electors. It appears from the history of the Academic Frangaise 
in its origin, that the enlargement and incorporation of it under 
the State influence of Cardinal Eichelieu was much resented by its 
original members. 
The two forms of constitutions — the one creating a power in the 
State with corresponding advantages to its associates, the other 
receiving an impulse entirely from within — are really so distinct, 
that it seems almost invidious to compare them. The latter appears, 
from the history of our country, to be mbst congenial to English 
habits in such matters ; and perhaps we have no great reason 
to regret the absence of an “Institute” under Imperial or Eoyal 
administration. 
But another question arises with reference to such Societies as 
those of London, Edinburgh, and Dublin : Whether, in default of 
substantial endowments in connection with membership, an arti- 
