Mackenzie Walcott, M.A.
Benedicite.—When a priest saluted or was asked for his blessing,, he said "Benedicite," Bless ye,—Domino, or, in worse Latin, nomen Dei. understood. Can any one say why Benedicat or Benedicimini was not used, as the use of Benedicite was intended
to convey or invoke a blessing, not an exhortation to bless.
Peter Corona.
The Church History Society.—As one who feels greatly interested in the scheme for the establishment of The Church History Society, given in your number for the 2nd November last, and which you properly describe as "a proposal calculated to advance one of the most important branches of historical learning," will you permit me to inquire, through the medium of "Notes and Queries," whether Dr. Maitland's scheme has met with so much encouragement as to justify the expectation, and I will add the hope, that it may ever be fully carried out?
Laicus.
Pope Ganganelli.—There was a Life of Pope Clement XIV. (Ganganelli) published in London in 1785. It was a distinct work from that by Caraccioli. Can any of your readers inform me of the author's name; or is there any one who has seen the book, or can tell where a copy may be found?
Cephas.
Sir George Downing.—I should be glad to obtain any information respecting Sir George Downing, of East Halley, Cambridgeshire, and Gamlingay Park, or his family. He was ambassador from Cromwell and Charles II. to the States-General of Holland, secretary to the Treasury, and the statesman who caused the "Appropriation Act" to be passed, the 17th of Charles II. The family is of most ancient origin in Devonshire, and I have heard that a portrait of him is possessed by some person in that county.
Alpha.