I. Banks’ Presidency ol the Royal 
Society. 
In 1778 Sir John Pringle resigned the Presidency of the Royal Society. 
■“ A general opinion prevailed that no one was better qualified to occupy 
the vacant chair than Sir Joseph Banks. He was, as we have seen 
already, on the Council of the Society, and took a warm interest in 
its affairs. He was accordingly elected President, and immediately 
devoted himself with great zeal to the discharge of his duties.”* 
Sir Joseph Banks often declared that of all the honours he had 
received, that of being elected President of the Royal Society gave 
him by far the greatest satisfaction. 
As President, Sir Joseph took a considerable share in the striking 
of the medalt in commemoration of the illustrious Cook, Commander 
of the “ Endeavour,” and at Weld ii, 141-143, we have the graceful 
letters written by Banks to Mrs. Cook and to Dr. Franklin, presenting 
these medals. Indeed, Sir Joseph was a charming letter writer — the 
practise r of an art which seems to claim fewer who excel as time 
rolls on. 
Sir Joseph watched over the interests of the Society in the most 
earnest manner Amongst other things, he investigated the method of 
election into the Society, which appeared to have got somewhat lax. 
He held the opinion that members should consist of the two classes — - 
the scientific workers (and he insisted on a high standard of work for 
membership), and the patrons of science, men conspicuous from their 
influence and position in society. 
He took a personal interest in all elections, not hesitating to speak 
to members about the qualifications of the candidates. It is not 
surprising that such conduct was distasteful to some. 
In 1783 the smouldering discontent broke out into activity under 
the following circumstances. Dr. Charles Hutton, Professor of Mathe- 
matics at Woolwich, was Foreign Secretary of the Society, and it was 
alleged (partly, perhaps, because of his distance from London) that he 
had neglected the duties of his office. Sir Joseph was one of those 
who held that view. Certain acrimonious debates occurred, which are 
• Weld, ii, 112. 
t Mr. .Alfred Lee, of Bon ii, hai rec'ntly ac.iuired possession of one of these almost unique 
medals (in gold). 
