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 most famous Mathematicians, diverse Problems, which have been solved many different Ways; from their Chymists the effects of their Fires; and from others of their best Observers, many Rarities, and Discourses of their Fruits, Silk, Wine, Bread, Plants, Salt, and such natural Productions of their Soil. And to instance once for all, it has been affectionately invited to a mutual Correspondence by the French Academy of Paris: In which Invitation, there is one Expression, that ought not to be pass'd over in Silence; that they acknowledge the English Nation, to have many Advantages for the propagating of real Philosophy, which are wanting to all others. This Confession is true: Yet these Advantages, unless they had been improved by this Institution, had been only as those, that we have for Fishing, Objections and Arguments of our Sloth.

In Italy the Royal Society has an excellent Privilege of receiving and imparting Experiments, by the Help of one of their own Fellows, who has the Opportunity of being Resident there for them, as well as for the King. From thence they have been earnestly invited to a mutual Intelligence, by many of their most noble Wits, but chiefly by the Prince Leopoldo, Brother to the Great Duke of Tuscany; who is the Patron of all the inquisitive Philosophers of Florence; from whom there is coming out under his Name an Account of their Proceedings called Ducal Experiments. This Application to the Royal Society I have mention'd, because it comes from that Country, which is seldom wont to have any great Regard to the Arts of these Nations, that lye on this side of their Mountains.

In Germany, and its neighbouring Kingdoms, the