[ ]' 
It is Ilkewife necelTary- on this occafion to remark, that it is an efta* 
blifned rule of the Society^ go which they will always adhere, never to 
give their opinion, as a Btrd/,tipt5n' s anyfubje£i:, either of Nature or Art, 
tnat comes before them. And therefore the thanks, which are 'fre- 
quently proposed from the chair, to be given to the authors of fuch pa- 
pers as are read at their accuftomed meetings, or to the perfons through 
whofe hands they receive them, are to be confidered in no other light 
than as a matter of civility, in return for the refpeft fhewn to the Society 
by thofe communications. The like alfo is to be faid with regard to 
the ieyeral proje&s, inventions, and curiofities of various kinds, which 
are often exhibited to the Society ; the authors whereof, or thofe wh® 
exhibit them, frequently take the liberty to report, and even to certify 
in the public news-papers, that they have met with the higheih appltfule 
and approbation. And therefore it is hoped, that no regard will here- 
after be paid to fuch reports, and public notices ; which in fome inftances 
have been too lightly credited, to the dilhonour of the Society. 
