PREFACE. 
^ The Society had two objects in view when it com- 
menced the publication of a fortnightly account of 
its proceedings, viz., to secure to each member at 
the earliest opportunity an authentic record of any 
important communication he might make, and to give 
an interest to those who, from any cause, might be 
prevented from being present at the meetings. The 
Council believe that these objects have been in a 
great measure attained, and that the Society has 
been thereby benefited. They have been encouraged 
by the universal approbation of the members, and by 
seeing their example copied by kindred institutions. 
Three Sessions having elapsed, it is thought desirable 
to bind the Proceedings in a volume, and to furnish 
an Index for reference. The quantity of matter will 
be found to have increased each Session, but the 
Council will endeavour to keep the original intention 
of the Society strictly in view, and to publish only 
that part of the conversations which appears to be the 
most interesting, and abstracts of Papers sufficiently 
short not to forestall the more important publication 
of the Memoirs of the Society. 
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