OF THE
CHRONOLOGICAL INSTITUTE
OF LONDON.
In the present state of human knowledge, there are few sciences in
which so great difficulties appear, or so great differences of
opinion prevail, among the principal authors who have treated of
it, as in Chronology. It hath been justly styled "one of the eyes"
of History: yet its vision is indistinct, with regard to many of
its most important objects. So far as it is a mathematical
science, it is capable of the utmost exactness; but the historical
data, on which its calculations must depend, are not yet
sufficiently ascertained and collected for that purpose. Hence the
imperfect and unsatisfactory state of this useful science.
The application of the principle of the division of labour hath
caused the establishment of various societies, for the special
cultivation and promotion of distinct branches of science. Among
these, Geography, "the other eye" of History, hath long enjoyed
the advantage of a public institution. Astronomy also, which more
than any other science, except History, is connected with
Chronology, hath obtained the like distinction; notwithstanding
the fact that the most important discoveries of modern astronomers
had been as by a peculiar prerogative, communicated to the Royal
Society, the noble parent of literary and scientific societies in
this country. Chronology indeed, if regarded as a branch of
historical science, finds a home in the institutions which are
devoted to archæology: but so far as it may be considered
mathematical, it meets with little or no attention among
associated antiquaries.
Although there exist numerous works, in every department of
Chronological inquiry, and in various languages, yet some few only
of them are generally known to chronological students. To collect,
arrange, and describe them is highly desirable: for the world hath
not, as yet, been presented with the bibliography of this science.
Hence the imperfections and errors which exist in the greater part
of modern publications on this subject.
To promote, therefore, a more comprehensive acquaintance with
chronological literature, and a more exact study of this science,
both historically and mathematically, as well as to establish a
medium of intercommunication among Chronologers and other studious
and learned persons throughout the world, and by such means to
enlarge the compass of comparative Chronology, this Institute hath
been founded; and the friendly co-operation is invited of all
persons who are interested in this science, whether their
predilections be in favour of its astronomical, or its antiquarian
departments: in short, whether they be Bibliographers, Critics,
Historians, or Philosophers.
The Chronological Institute was founded at the winter solstice of
1850, and already numbers among its Members, several Antiquaries,
Astronomers, Archivists, and Authors. The annual subscription is
five shillings, without at present any admission fee.
Ladies and gentlemen, desirous of becoming Ordinary Members, are
requested to send their names and address, with their literary,
scientific, or official descriptions, to any one of the officers,
by whom they will be duly laid before the council: and, if
approved, their election will be notified to them.
Eminent foreign scholars, and men of science, known to be
conversant with Chronology, will be requested to accept diplomas,
and to render their valuable aid by correspondence with the
Institute.