[ iv  ] 
It  is  likewife  neceffary  on  this  occafion  to  remark,  that  it  is  an  efta- 
bliihed  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  ihewn  to  the  Society 
by  thofe  communications.  The  like  alfo  is  to  be  faid  with  regard  to 
thefeveral  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  highefl  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  inftances 
have  been  too  lightly  credited,  to  the  difhonour  of  the  Society. 
