An Authentic Narrative of the Dissensions and Debates in the Royal Society. Containing the Speeches at Large of Dr. Horsley Dr. Maskelyne Mr. Maseres Mr. Poore Mr. Glenie Mr. Watson and Mr. Maty (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1784 Excerpt: ... the Society without their thanks. That unless specific accusations were set up instead of vague and general insinuations; the general merit of Dr. Hutton's scientific character would be the only circumstance which ought to influence the ballot. An attempt was made to get rid of the business by the previous question. This was rejected by a majority of five, the numbers being 33 and 28; after which the main question was carried by five, the numbers being 30 and 25. No sooner was the meeting broken up, than the President summoned a Council for the Wednesday following; perhaps it would be more accurate to to fay, he would have summoned one; the fact is, that neither the President, nor the Secretary, nor the clerk, nor any officer, nor any servant of the Society, was informed of the actual residence of Mr. Brander, whom the President had put put into Council upon the supposition that he lived in London; whereas for some time past he has retired to his country feat on the coast of Hampshire For want of this information no summons could be sent to that. Gentleman, and for that reason no statuteable Council could be held. However a suffic.ient number assembled; a number which might have been sufficient but for the informality of the meeting. The company paid no attention to a defence which Dr. Hutton had sent in writing to the Secretary; and although no special matter of complaint was alleged against him, it was thought proper to declare that the resolution of the former Council was a very wise one, andought to be inforced. The sequel shewed how little these measures were calculated to restore the peace of the Society; the end which the. t;, j C 2 President President and his Committees professed to have in view. On the meeting of "the Society on the next day, Dr. H...