[ iv ] 
upon a 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 received them, are to be considered in no other light than as a matter of 
civility, in return for the respect shown 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 newspapers, that they have met with the highest applause and approbation. 
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. 
