OF ACADEMIES.



We have in England fewer of these than in any part of the world, at
least where learning is in so much esteem. But to make amends, the
two great seminaries we have are, without comparison, the greatest,
I won't say the best, in the world; and though much might be said
here concerning universities in general, and foreign academies in
particular, I content myself with noting that part in which we seem
defective. The French, who justly value themselves upon erecting
the most celebrated academy of Europe, owe the lustre of it very
much to the great encouragement the kings of France have given to
it. And one of the members making a speech at his entrance tells
you that it is not the least of the glories of their invincible
monarch to have engrossed all the learning of the world in that
sublime body.

The peculiar study of the academy of Paris has been to refine and
correct their own language, which they have done to that happy
degree that we see it now spoken in all the courts of Christendom,
as the language allowed to be most universal.

I had the honour once to be a member of a small society, who seemed
to offer at this noble design in England. But the greatness of the
work, and the modesty of the gentlemen concerned, prevailed with
them to desist an enterprise which appeared too great for private