No. 8. King William Street, City, London.
ADDRESS
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.