On the 3d of Pluviôse, year XI (23d of January, 1803), the French
government passed the following decree on this subject.
_Art_. I. The National Institute, at present divided into three
classes, shall henceforth consist of four; namely:
_First Class_--Class of physical and mathematical sciences.
_Second Class_--Class of the French language and literature.
_Third Class_--Class of history and ancient literature.
_Fourth Class_--Class of fine arts.
The present members of the Institute and associated foreigners shall
be divided into these four classes. A commission of five members of
the Institute, appointed by the First Consul, shall present to him
the plan of this division, which shall be submitted to the
approbation of the government.
II. The first class, shall be formed of the ten sections, which at
present compose the first class of the Institute, of a new section of
geography and navigation, and of eight foreign associates.
These sections shall be composed and distinguished as follows: