“Among the numerous societies of this vast metropolis, there is not one devoted to geography, yet it is generally admitted that this is a science of paramount consequence to the interests of a nation. It is also a lamentable fact, that the geographical writings of this, and indeed of other countries, are still very imperfect and defective. The Society founded at Paris for geographical purposes, in 1821, almost immediately enrolled the names of 300 members. By the activity of those members, by the éclat attached to their proceedings, and by the numerous prizes they confer, it may be presumed that both new inquiries have been excited, and useful results obtained. England, however, requires for itself a Geographical Society, and the present epoch may be considered favourable to its establishment. Profiting by the constitution and laws of its foreign precursor, and also by those of other institutions in London, if may be founded
GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY. | 409 |
“In order to show, at a glance, the beneficial and various inquiries which it is proposed to encourage, the leading divisions of the science may be arranged under the following heads:—
ABSOLUTE. Of the mass and form of the Globe; motions and intrinsic properties of the Globe; of effects from celestial causes.
PHYSICAL. Natural divisions and geological features of the world; mountains, plains, deserts, mines, and minerals; particulars of the animal and vegetable kingdoms; seas, lakes, rivers, and springs; currents, tides, hydrographical data; climate, winds, weather, and seasons; volcanoes, earthquakes, and other phenomena.
SPECIAL. Ancient and modern history of the earth; the distribution of races and languages; names, derivation, and revolutions of states and cities; latitudes and longitudes, astronomical and geodesical; the variation, dip, and other magnetic phenomena; determination of heights and distances; relative magnitude of all countries and nations.
POLITICAL. Population, division of the people, general statistics; artificial division of lands, agriculture, produce; commerce, manufactures, fisheries; government, manners, customs, laws, policy; canals, roads, mills, bridges, markets; religion, education, forces, arts.
“The object of the proposed society is to collect, register, and digest all the useful facts comprehended under the above titles; and it is considered that, with moderate funds, the following objects may be readily accomplished, viz.:—
“I. A convenient house, or chambers, for the members to meet in at stated times; to preserve their books, papers, and other property; and to which strangers and foreigners may be admitted.
“II. A library to contain all the best books on geography, with maps, charts, and plans, old and new.
“III. A correspondence to be formed with similar societies in different parts of the world, or with natives of foreign countries
410 | APPENDIX. |
“IV. The society may be a depository for all the geographical knowledge that exists: from its books, maps, &c., the most exact information may be obtained by persons who propose to visit foreign countries; and our own travellers, who often collect much useful information that is never published, might deposit the results of their observations or inquiries in the library of this society.
“V. Were prizes occasionally offered, as in the Parisian society, for the determination of particular questions, many of our countrymen, who visit remote regions, would doubtless be stimulated to those diligent observations and enquiries which would extend our knowledge of geographical facts.
“VI. In a short time the society would possess a mass of materials and information which they would wish to communicate to the public; for the society, to be extensively useful, must impart its acquired knowledge to the world.
“VII. Instead of printing occasionally an expensive volume of transactions, accessible but to few persons, except members, it is thought that it will be more advisable to publish periodically, in a small and cheap form, all the original communications of approved merit, as well as the useful results at which the society arrives. Such a geographical journal, it is presumed, will be likely to find a sufficient number of purchasers to defray all its expenses, and even add something to the funds of the society.
“The preceding plan and remarks are committed to the press, and submitted to the consideration of a few literary and scientific gentlemen, merely to direct their attention to the subject; to call forth their opinions and suggestions for the furtherance of the object; and to solicit the advice and aid of those who are at once qualified and disposed to co-operate in the establishment of a British Geographical Society.
“The secretary arrogates no merit on the occasion but that of volunteering his services as a medium of communication between parties, and undertaking to act as an official adviser and agent till the system be matured, and the society be organised. He will then readily resign his post to any person who may be chosen by the body of subscribers; and further pledges himself to present some useful books, maps, &c.,
BABY. | 411 |