C iv 3 
treating them; without pretending to answer for the certainty of the 
facts, or propriety of the reasonings, contained in the several papers 
so published, which must still rest on the credit or judgment of 
their respective authors. 
It is likewise necessary on this occasion to remark, that it is an 
established rule of the Society, to which they will always adhere, 
never to give their opinion, as a Body, upon any subject, either of 
Nature or Art, that comes before them. And therefore the thanks 
which are frequently proposed from the Chair, to be given to the 
authors of such papers as are read at their accustomed meetings, or 
to the persons through whose hands they receive them, are to be 
considered in no other light than as a matter of civility, in return 
for the respect shewn to the Society by those communications. The 
like also is to be said with regard to the several projects, inventions, 
and curiosities of various kinds, which are often exhibited to the 
Society; the authors whereof, or those who exhibit them, frequently 
take the liberty to report, and even to certify in the public news- 
papers, that they have met with the highest applause and appro- 
bation. And therefore it is hoped, that no regard will hereafter be 
paid to such reports and public notices ; which in some instances 
have been too lightly credited, to the dishonour of the Society. 
