can only be defrayed by the current annual subscriptions, hence it follows, as a matter of course, that should these fail, the legitimate objects of the Society cannot be carried out.

There are indispensable obligations on all who associate themselves with any scientific Society. Those who do not comply with them incur disgrace instead of honour, for a title can only be regarded as a reproach by those who fail to deserve it; nor can they claim a share in the reputation of a Society, who never in any manner contribute to its advance

ment.

It is indeed startling, to hear periodically of the large amounts due in the form of arrears from members of various Societies, the non-payment of which must necessarily occasion the most crippling and disastrous effects.

At the latter end of 1741, the declining health of Sir Hans Sloane compelled him unwillingly to resign the office of President. On the 16th November, 1741, Martin Folkes, Esq., V. P., stated at a Meeting of Council, that he was charged with a message from the President, who desired him to bear his respects to them, and to acquaint them that the weakness in his limbs, which has now so long continued, and the precarious state of his health, he finds will render it impracticable for him to give that attendance on the Society which his office requires, and therefore he desires them to think of some other proper person for that office in the ensuing election."

The Council were extremely desirous to prevail upon Sir Hans Sloane to retain office, and appointed a deputation to wait on him, in order to convey their

sentiments, and to "devise some measures to reconcile, if possible, his holding the office, without injury to his health;" but he was so fully impressed with the propriety of connecting the performance of the Presidential duties with that high office, that being really unable to undertake these, he firmly requested to be allowed to retire, and sent the annexed communication to Martin Folkes, which was read to the Society.

"Sir Hans Sloane is very sensible of the many benefits. he has received by being for a great many years present at the Meetings of so many knowing and learned persons of the Society, and of the honours conferred upon him by the several offices with which he has been intrusted by them.

"He is very sorry that the bad state of his health will not longer permit him to enjoy the advantage and satisfaction of so constantly attending their Meetings: but he will endeavour to do the Society all the services in his power, by communicating, from time to time, any curious notices which he shall receive, either at home or from abroad, concerning natural knowledge, during the small remainder of his life."

The Society "Resolved, that their thanks should be given to Sir Hans Sloane for his many and great favours done to the Society during his continuance in the chair, and for his constant and diligent attendance at their Meetings, notwithstanding the great business he was otherwise engaged in ;" and they ordered "Martin Folkes, Esq., Vice-President, Dr. Mead, James West, Esq., Treasurer, and Mr. Machin and Dr. Mortimer, the Secretaries, to wait on Sir

Hans Sloane with the foregoing resolution, and to assure him the Society still hope he will attend their Meetings when his health shall permit, though he declines being again elected President; as also that they promise themselves the advantage of his friendship and assistance on all occasions, with the benefit of the advices he daily receives in his extensive and learned correspondence." It is almost needless to add, that although Sir Hans ceased to hold office, his interest in the Royal Society continued unabated to the end of his life. The Journal-books contain a great number of communications made by him to the Society, which were read at the ordinary Meetings, and which are remarkable for their value and originality. Indeed, he appears to have regarded the Society with an interest extinguished only by death, and on the other hand, the Society were fully impressed with the advantages which they derived from their connexion with so eminent a man**.

The Society had now to select a President, and their choice fell on Martin Folkes, who was elected

"The sense entertained by the Society of his services and virtues, was evinced by the manner in which they resented an insult offered to him by Dr. Woodward, who (as the reader is aware) was expelled the Council. Sir Hans was reading a paper of his own composition, when Woodward made some grossly insulting remarks. Dr. Sloane complained, and moreover stated, that Dr. Woodward had often affronted him by making grimaces at him; upon which Dr. Arbuthnot rose, and begged to be "informed what distortion of a man's face constituted a grimace?" Sir Isaac Newton was in the chair when the question of expulsion was agitated; and when it was pleaded in Woodward's favour, that "he was a good natural philosopher, Sir Isaac remarked, that in order to belong to that Society a man ought to be a good moral philosopher, as well as a natural one." Wadd's Memoirs, p. 232.

at the Anniversary, held, as usual, on St. Andrew's day. He had long been a Vice-President, and when Sir Hans Sloane was unable, on account of his infirmities to attend, had presided in his place.

CHAPTER XVII.

Memoir of Martin Folkes-His Acquirements more Literary than Scientific-Sir John Hill's Review of the Royal SocietyDeath of Halley-Formation of Royal Society Club-Originally entitled 'Club of Royal Philosophers'-Their RulesReceive presents of Venison, &c.-Cost of Dining-Present Rules-List of Members-Philosophical Club-Their RulesOriginal Members-Fairchild Lecture instituted-Dr. Knight receives Copley Medal-Discovery of Nutation by BradleyHarrison's Chronometers-The Copley Medal awarded-Authorities request the assistance of the Society to ventilate Newgate Sanitary Measures taken by Sir John PringleCanton's Method of making Artificial Magnets-He receives the Copley Medal-Dr. Gowan Knight's method-Controversy between Canton and Michell-Letter from Dr. Priestley -Change of Style-Tables prepared by Mr. Daval, Secretary to the Society-Assistance afforded by Father WalmesleyAlterations proposed by Lord Macclesfield in the mode of publishing the Transactions-Committee of Papers appointed. Advertisement in the Volume for 1753-Cost of Printing the Transactions-Translation of the Transactions published in Italy-Resignation of Martin Folkes-Earl of Macclesfield chosen President-Mr. Folkes leaves the Society in a prosperous condition-Large number of Visitors to the MeetingsStukely's notice of the Meetings-His description of a Geological Soirée Conceives Corals to be Vegetables.

1745-55.

MARTIN FOLKES was the eldest son of Martin

Folkes, Esq., Barrister-at-Law, and was born in the parish of St. Giles in the Fields, on the 29th October, 16901. He was sent when a boy to the University of Saumur; where, under the superintend

1 Life, by Dr. Birch.