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[ iv ] 
It is likewife neceffary on this occafion to remark, that it is an Sfta- 
blifhed rule of the Society, to which they will always adhere, never to 
give their opinion, as a body, upon any fubjeft, either of Nature or Art, 
that comes before them. And therefore the thanks, which are fre- 
quently propofed 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 feveral projects, inventions, and curiofities of various kinds, which 
are often exhibited to the Society ; the authors whereof, or thofe who 
exhibit them, frequently take the liberty to report, and even to certify 
in the public news-papers, that they have met with the higheft applaufe 
and approbation. And therefore it is hoped, that no regard will here- 
after be paid to fuch reports, and public notices ; which in fome inftanccs 
have been too lightly credited, to the dilhonour of the Society. 
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