ct or written regulations, but who
act together from a community of principles. That each individual has
invariably supported all the measures of the party, is by no means the
case; and whilst instances of opposition amongst them have been very
rare, a silent resignation to circumstances has been the most usual mode
of meeting measures they disapproved. The great object of this, as of
all other parties, has been to maintain itself in power, and to divide,
as far as it could, all the good things amongst its members. It has
usually consisted of persons of very moderate talent, who have had
the prudence, whenever they could, to associate with themselves other
members of greater ability, provided these latter would not oppose the
system, and would thus lend to it the sanction of their name. The party
have always praised each other most highly--have invariably opposed all
improvements in the Society, all change in the mode of management;
and have maintained, that all those who wished for any alteration were
factious; and, when they discovered any symptoms of independence and
inquiry breaking out in any member of the Council, they have displaced
him as soon as they decently could.

Of the arguments employed by those who support the SYSTEM OF MANAGEMENT
by which the Royal Society is governed, I shall give a few samples:
refutation is rendered quite unnecessary--juxta-position is
alone requisite. If any member, seeing an improper appointment in
contemplation, or any abuse in the management of the affairs of the
Society continued, raise a voice against it, the ready answer is, Why
should you interfere? it may not be quite the thing you approve; but it
is no affair of yours.--If, on the other hand, it do relate to himself,
the reply is equally ready. It is immediately urged: The question is
of a personal nature; you are the last person who ought to bring it
forward; you are yourself interested. If any member of the Society,
feeling annoyed at the neglect, or hurt by the injuries or insults of
the Council, show signs of remonstrance, it is immediately suggested to
him that he is irritated, and ought to wait until his feelings subside,
and he can judge more coolly on the subject; whilst with becoming
candour they admit the ill-treatment, but urge forbearance. If, after
an interval, when reflection has had ample time to operate, the offence
seems great as at first, or the insult appears unmitigated by any
circumstances on which memo