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 Harles the Second, by the Grace of God, of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, &c''. To all unto whom these Presents shall come, Greeting. Having long resolved within our self to promote the Welfare of Arts and Sciences, as well as that of our Territories and Dominions, out of our princely Affection to all kind of Learning, and more particular Favour to philosophical Studies: Especially those which endeavour by solid Experiments, either to reform or improve Philosophy. To the intent therefore that these Kinds of Study, which are no where yet sufficiently cultivated, may flourish in our Dominions; and that the learned World may acknowledge us to be, not only the Defender of the Faith, but the Patron and Encourager of all Sorts of useful Knowledge'';

Know ye, that we out of our special Grace, certain Knowledge, and meer Motion, have given and granted, and do by these Presents give and grant for us, our Heirs, and Successors, That there shall be for ever a Society, consisting of a President, Council, and Fellows, which shall be called by the Name of the President, Council, and Fellows of the Royal Society of London'', for and improving of natural Knowledge, of which Society we do by these Presents declare our self to be Founder and Patron. And we do hereby make and constitute the said Society by the Name, &c. to be a Body corporate, to be continued under the same Name in a perpetual Succession; and that they and their Successors, (whose Studies are to be imployed for the promoting of the Knowledge of natural Things, and useful Arts by Experiments. To the Glory of God, and the good of Mankind,) shall by the aforesaid Name of President, Council, &c. be enabled and made capable in Law, to levy, hold, possess, and enjoy, Lands, Tenements,'' &c.