\ 5 ) 
that he was ignorant of: nothing treated of, by either 
Antient or Modern Authors, upon the Subjeff of Ani- 
mals, Infe&s, Plants, Metals, or precious Stones, 
The Liberality of this Prince towards Men of Learn- 
ing, drew into his Kingdom fo many Famous Learned 
Men, that he was juftly called the Father of the Mules. 
But if he deferved this glorious Title, with how much 
greater reafon is it due to Lewis the Great > Who tho’ 
continually poffefs’d with a Thoufand different Gares, 
and is obliged at once to fufrain the Efforts of all Europe 
in Arms againft him 5 yet in the midft of fo many La 
hours, nothing can divert him from the generous Defign 
he always bad, of making Arts and Sciences flourifh : 
An undeniable Proof of which we have in his Efta- 
blilhing this Society, of which he has been pleafed to 
declare himfelf Proteftor. 
And what better Acknowledgment can we make, than 
by profecuting his Intentions 5 and that You, Sirs, who 
are appointed to make the Natural Hiftory of this Pro- 
vince, would redouble, if poflible, Your Care and Stu- 
dies, to render your Inquiries as well profitable as plea- 
fant. As for my felf, ,who have a very different Imploy- 
ment, and ought to give my felf up entirely to the Study 
ef the Laws 3 yet I am perfwaded, that to anfwcr in 
fome meafure the Favour the King has done me, in No- 
minating me an Honorary Member, together with Per- 
fons fo Illuftrious in themfelves, as well for their Birth 
as the Digniiy of their Profeffions, I ought to employ 
all my leifure Hours in endeavouring to aflift You, as 
far a? I am capable, in fearching into Nature. The ad- 
vantage I have, in being one of Your Number, ought 
to infpire me with thefe Thoughts, as You have been 
always pleafed to acknowledge, and I hope will conti? 
nue to do, if my chief Imployment would permit me 
to fpend more time among You, and to Merit the Place 
I here enjoy. 
B 
The 
