Scientific Reviews. 353 
dix to the second volume of the Society’s transactions, that the first 
meeting was held on the 2d of March 1808. It has thus existed 
full twenty years. Now as this Natural History Society is com- 
posed of many and eminent individuals, and as the perpetual pre- 
sident is the Professor of Natural History, it is only reasonable to 
expect that some fruit should have been borne by so promising a 
tree, and that it should increase in quantity, size, and flavour, in 
proportion to its maturity. Our only object is to ascertain the 
state of Natural History in this country, and if it is behind 
what might have been anticipated, to trace the impediments to 
their true source, and if possible to remove them. With this view 
we think it fair to ask, What has the Wernerian Natural History 
Seciety done ? 
1. What has it published ? 
2. What is the extent of its library ? 
3. What collection of objects in Natural History has it made ? 
1. The transactions of the Society are before the public; but it 
may not be amiss to bring its volumes into a chronological table. 
1808—1810. Vol. I. Pp. 630. 15 Plates. 
1811—1816. Vol. II. (Gn two parts,) Pp. 697. 27 Plates. 
1617—1820. Vol. III. Pp. 559. 25 Plates. 
1621—1623. Vol. IV. (in two parts,) Pp. 603. 17 Plates. 
1823—1825. Vol. V. (in two parts,) Pp. 599. 17 Plates. 
Five volumes have thus been published within a space of twenty 
years ; which gives about four years to each volume. It is perfectly 
evident that this will not do for the present state of natural sci- 
ence. It is moreover rather remarkable, that during the last four 
years not even the first part of a sixth volume has made its appear- 
ance, * while, at the same time, Natural History is known to be in- 
creasing in popularity! We are told that many interesting papers 
are read before the Society ; what becomes of them ? 
2. What is the extent of the library? We have been informed 
that the Society has received many donations of books, and that 
some have also been purchased. We are, at, the same time, posi- 
tively assured that no one knows where a very considerable pro- 
portion of the volumes are to be found: that a catalogue of the h- 
brary does not exist ; and moreover, that although there is a ti- 
tular librarian, the library has never been placed under his charge! 
3. What collection of objects in Natural History has the Society 
made? The public will doubtless be surprized when it is inform- 
ed that the Society has no collection, although it is universally 
agreed that there ought to have been a collection, as the Society 
has received many donations from gentlemen, who intended them 
for the general use of the Institution. We find, indeed, the fol- 
lowing, enumerated in the first volume of the transactions: 
* We are, however, informed that this first part has been in the press for 
some time; but it seems likely to remain there. 
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