[ iv ] 
It is likewife necefiary on this occafion to remark, that it is an efta- 
bliflied 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 accuflomed 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 refpett fhewn to the Society 
by thofe communications. The like alfo is to be faid with regard to 
the feveral proje&s, 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 highelt 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 indances 
have been too lightly credited, to the diflionour of the Society. 
CON- 
