ies among the learned associations
of Europe; for its character abroad can only be appreciated by the
nature and value of its Transactions. Your Committee allude to the
important task of deciding on what papers should be published; and they
are of opinion that it would be a material improvement on the present
mode, if each paper were referred to a separate Committee, who should
have sufficient time given them to examine it carefully, who should be
empowered to communicate on any doubtful parts with the author; and who
should report, not only their opinion, but the grounds on which that
opinion is formed, for the ultimate decision of the Council.

If it should be thought fit to adopt the suggestions which your
Committee have now had the honour of proposing, they beg leave to move,
that another Committee be appointed, with directions to frame or to
alter the necessary statutes, so that they may be in strict accordance
with the charters.

In concluding the Report, your Committee do not wish to disguise the
magnitude of some of the measures they have thought it their duty
to propose; on the contrary, they would not only urge the fullest
discussion of their expediency; but further, that if you should even be
unanimously disposed to confirm them, your Committee would recommend,
that the several statutes, when they have been drawn up or modified,
should be only entered on your minutes, and not finally enacted.
All innovations in the constitution, or even the habits of the Royal
Society, should be scrutinized with the most jealous circumspection.
It is enough for the present Council to have traced the plan; let the
Council of the ensuing sessions share the credit of carrying that plan
into effect.

This Report was presented to the Council very late in the session of
1827, and on the 25th of June there occurs the following entry on the
council-book:--

"The Report of the Committee for considering the best means of limiting
the number of members, and such other suggestions as they may think
conducive to the good of the Society, was received and read, and ordered
to be entered on the minutes; and the Council, regarding the importance
of the subject, and its bearings on the essential interests of the
Society, in conformity with the concluding paragraph, and considering
also the advanced stage of the session, recommend it to the most serious
and early consideration of the Council for the ensuing year."

Those who advocated the