Abstract
FEW societies have done more to stimulate the arts and industries of the British Empire than the Royal Society of Arts, which during the last few days has had on exhibition, for the benefit of over seas visitors, a series of documents and objects illustrating its achievements since its foundation in 1754. Before the modern practice of holding frequent meetings to hear papers and lectures, the Society instituted awards for improvements in science, art and manufacture; and many of the objects exhibited illustrate the work of some of the Society's medalists. Hanging on one side of the room in which the exhibition was arranged was the first geological map of Great Britain prepared by William Smith. The map was published in 1815, Smith being assisted by a grant of £50. Gn the other side of the room were a model of Abraham Darly's iron bridge of 1788 (happily still standing); a model of Greathead's life boat and Bell's lifeline-throwing mortar for ships, for which medals were awarded. On another stand were samples of coco-nut oil, cinnamon, silk, tea, nutmegs, cloves, mace, wool and indigo from the Colonies, all representing products the cultivation of which has been stimulated by the Society. In addition to these and similar objects, were many books, prints and letters recalling the history of the Society and its never-ceasing activity.
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The Royal Society of Arts. Nature 139, 958 (1937). https://doi.org/10.1038/139958b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/139958b0