A note on the correspondence of Martin Folkes, P. R. S
The continual loss of public and private papers through neglect or even destruction because their historical value is not appreciated justifies this note on the vicissitudes of the correspondence and other papers of Martin Folkes, who held the office of President of the Royal Society from 1741 to 1752. He was born in 1690, and was educated at Saumur and Cambridge, where he laid the foundations of his extensive knowledge in mathematics and other subjects. Though he contributed a number of papers on astronomy and metrology to the Philosophical Transactions, he is chiefly remembered for his work on numismatics (he was a great connoisseur of ancient and modern coins), as well as for his knowledge of antiquities. Under his presidency the Royal Society meetings developed a literary rather than a scientific character, and it must be admitted that there was a decline from the former standards. This lapse, noticeable also in the quality of some of the memoirs printed in the 'Transactions, was apparent even to some of his contemporaries, who expressed their disapproval in pamphlets written with characteristic eighteenth century vigour.