LAWS OF THE SOCIETY. 
Adopted July 3, 1916 ; amended December 18, 1916. 
(Laws VIII, IX, and XIII amended May 3, 1920. Law VI amended February 7, 1921.) 
I. 
THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH, which was instituted by Royal 
Charter in 1783 for the promotion of Science and Literature, shall consist of 
Ordinary Fellows (hereinafter to be termed Fellows) and Honorary Fellows. 
The number of Honorary Fellows shall not exceed fifty-six, of whom not more 
than twenty may be British subjects, and not more than thirty-six subjects of 
Foreign States. 
Fellows only shall be eligible to hold office or to vote at any Meeting of the 
Society. 
ELECTION OF FELLOWS. 
II. 
Each Candidate for admission as a Fellow shall be proposed by at least four 
Fellows, two of whom must certify from personal knowledge. The Official 
Certificate shall specify the name, rank, profession, place of residence, and the 
qualifications of the Candidate. The Certificate shall be delivered to the General 
Secretary before the 30th of November, and, subject to the approval of the 
Council, shall be exhibited in the Society’s House during the month of January 
following. All Certificates so exhibited shall be considered by the Council at its 
first meeting in February, and a list of the Candidates approved by the Council 
for election shall be issued to the Fellows not later than the 21st of February. 
III. 
The election of Fellows shall be by Ballot, and shall take place at the first 
Ordinary Meeting in March. Only Candidates approved by the Council shall be 
eligible for election. A Candidate shall be held not elected, unless he is supported 
by a majority of two-thirds of the Fellows present and voting. 
IV. 
On the day of election of Fellows two scrutineers, nominated by the President, 
shall examine the votes and hand their report to the President, who shall declare 
the result. 
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