THE CONSTITUTIONS OF THE MUSAEUM MINERVAE. LONDON, Printed by T. P. for Thomas Spencer. 1636. NIHIL INVITA MINERVA blazon or coat of arms TO THE NOBLE, AND GENEROUS WELLWISHERS TO VIRTUOUS ACTIONS, AND LEARNING: The Regent and Professors of the Musaeum Minervae, wish all honour and happiness. HOwbeit public actions and undertake do usually receive no Preface, it being needless to divulge that, which of itself will be exposed to all men's Censures: nevertheless new enterprises (how good, or just soever they be) are commonly subject at least to suspicion, if not unto obliqne interpretation; which frequent experience, as well as in other things hath manifested in this our new institution of an Academy here in England: Which though already it hath been justified, and approved by the wisdoms of the Kings most sacred Majesty, and many of the Lords of his Majesty, most Honourable privy Council, and confirmed by his Majesty's Letters patents: and these the following Constitutions and Discipline thereof ratified under the hands and seals of the right Honourable, the Lord Keeper of the great seal of England, and the two Lord-Chief Justices. Yet for a further and more full satisfaction of all men, aswell ignorant detractours, as virtuous Favourers of this Design, some remonstrance may not seem impertinent, but rather necessary to be printed, and published for the better understanding of what hath been undertaken. Therefore for as much as we conceive, that it is not generally nor clearly understood, what the nature of an Academy is: nor wherefore the institution of such a College is here necessary, as well as in other great transmarine Cities: we have thought it requisite, for the bringing of virtue into action, and the Theory of liberal Arts into more frequent practice to show that such an institution is fit to be established here according to the laudable custom of other Nations: who even in the middle of their Universities have their Academies, as Rome, Bononia, Milan, Paris, Wittenberg, and other places: wherein our Aims are directed to this end, that England may he as well furnished for the virtuous education, and discipline of her own Natives, as any other Nation of Europe. It is sufficiently known, that the subjects of his Majesty's dominions, have naturally as noble minds, and as able bodies as any Nation of the earth: and therefore deserve all accommodations for the advancing of them, either in speculation, or action. Nevertheless such hath been the neglect, or undervalueing of ourselves, and our own abilities, and overvalueing of foreign teachers, that hitherto no such places for the education, and training up of our own young Nobility, and Gentry, in the practice of arms, and arts have been instituted here in England, as are in Italy, France, and Germany but that by a chargeable and sometimes an unfortunate experience, we to our own loss, and disgrace do find the noble and generous youth of this kingdom is sent beyond the seas, to learn such things at excessiverates, from strangers abroad, wherein they might be as well, and with less expense, and danger, instructed here at home. The experience not only of the honour, but the gain which other Nations reap by the confluence of our Nobility and Gentry to them, for instruction might be a sufficient authority, and warrant for the erection of such Academies, in the chiefest Cities of this kingdom, as are beyond the seas: were it not for some jealousies, and suspicions which the novelty of every public action doth bring with it, as indi●iduall concomitants: and therefore in the particular of this first institution of that nature, some short answers are requisite to be given to some places, whose foundations have so long and so honourably been confirmed. And for as much as we are to give reasons that the institution of an Academy is necessary amongst other noble qualities, and arts, (if taught, yet not practised in the Universities nor Inns of Court:) the sciences of Navigation, Riding, Fortification, Architecture, Painting, and such like being most useful accomplishments of a gentleman do require a peculiar place and institution for them. And albeit many of them are taught in London, in dispersed places; yet it cannot but be judged more convenient to reduce, and unite them in one certain place: likewise whereas many men teach them perfunctorily rather for gain then any other respect: it was held necessary to select certain men who upon oath should undertake to see them learnedly and sufficiently taught: and in brief, whereas in the City of London divers strangers profess to teach sundry, or rather all the liberal arts and sciences of which many have been found to be upon examination, and trial egregiously ignorant, whereby our youth lose both their time, an● m●ney: it could not but be thought most necessary for the benefit, and conveniency of all such virtuous disposed youths, as live about the City, as also for the honour of our nation: that such a house should be erected in which they might be regularly taught to practise the aforesaid sciences and qualities: and in a virtuous society, have such generous, and fitting recreations, as might divert them from the too much frequenting of places of expense, and of greater inconveniences. Now to let all men know that the intention of the erection of this Academy is as well for the prevention of inconveniences, and dangers; as for the positive benefit of our Gentry: there is no understanding man, but may resent how many of our Noble men, and young gentlemen travel into foreign countries before they have any language, or knowledge to make profit of their time abroad; they, not being any way able to get knowledge for want of language, nor language for want of time: since going over so young, their years of licence commonly expire before they can obtain to sufficient ripeness of understanding; which no nation is known to do but the English: for what children of other nations come over to us before they are of able age, and ripeness? To prevent which inconvenience we by this public Act, give notice unto all men, that one great end of our institution is, to give language and instruction with other ornaments of travel unto our Gentlemen (if they shall stay some time in this Academy) before their undertaking any long journeys into foreign parts. Moreover whereas it is found by lamentable experience that Noblemen, and Gentlemen for want of an Academy here, are as it were necessitated, to send their sons beyond the seas for education: where through change of Climate, and diet, and for want of years of discretion, they become more subject to sicknesses and immature death, than otherwise they might have been: we leave it to careful prudent parents to consider how necessary the institution of an Academy here in London is, in which especial order may be taken for the bringing up of young Gentlemen, until both for years, and learning they may be fit as well to travel and make benefit of their time abroad, as to gain some knowledge how to prevent the dangers both of foreign air, and diet. Now in the last place we humbly desire that it may not be imputed an affectation of singularity, or of vain glory, that we publish these our Constitutions: for that diverse have been desirous to see them, and more are ignorant whether we have any settled discipline or not: which because the institution is the first of this nature in this kingdom, it may seem more excusable to be done, in this particular, rather than by any other College in the Universities, whose forms of discipline are sufficiently known: And if this Design, and the subsequent Constitutions may be so fortunate, as being seen and published to receive a condign approbation (albeit we the present members thereof being all of us fare strucken in years are likely to receive little benefit to ourselves, for all our great labours other than the reward of a good conscience) we cannot but hope since our institution, and college is already made capable by his Majesty's gracious favour, and letters patents of donation in land, as well as goods: that if not the present age, yet posterity will afford some noble benefactors who by their bounty to this foundation in upholding and continuing of what we have begun, will perpetuate their own ever honoured memory. And thus having upon the aforesaid reasons been induced to manifest our actions, and future intentions in this plain, and sincere manner, unto the view of the world: we hope that our endeavours herein, will by all as favourably be interpreted, as they are by us truly and sincerely meant; and intended to the glory of God, the honour of his Majesty, and the public good of the common wealth. * ⁎ * THE CONSTITUTIONS OF THE MUSAEUM MINERVAE. INPRIMIS, It is agreed, and constituted by the Regent and Professors of the Musaeum Minervae, that every man that shall be admitted into the said Musaeum shall bring a testimonial of his Arms and Gentry, and his Coat Armour tricked on a table to be conserved in the Musaeum. Provided, that the sons of benefactors such whom the Regent and Professors shall judge worthy to be admitted, be not excluded. Item, Every man to be admitted into the Musaeum shall be approved by the Regent and Major part of the Professors for the time being, for his civil conversation: yet after admittance if any behave themselves to the disturbance or evil example of the rest, and will not in convenient time be reclaimed, by the same power that admitted them, they are to be dismissed. Item, the Regent and Professors shall be accountable for the proficiency of the Gentlemen admitted (according to their capacities, diligence and time) to those parents, or friends that have recommended them to their care. Item, The Regent and Professors shall be tied in honour without respect of persons or partiality, to instruct the Gentlemen admitted with all convenient celerity according to their several capacities. Item, the Gentlemen admitted that by their diligence and continuance have fulfilled the term of three years and an half, if afterwards they chance to discontinue, shall notwithstanding have privilege of access to the Musaeum without any further charge to benefit themselves by any convenient conference with their former Professors, and these shall have the title of Triennalls. Item, the Gentlemen who shall have the aforesaid privileges of Triennalls shall be such as have studied or practised three several sciences, Arts or Qualities, at least for the space of the said three years and an half under three several Professors or their Assistants. Item, the Gentlemen that by their diligence and continuance have fulfilled the term of seven years, if afterwards they chance to discontinue, shall have notwithstanding privileges of access to the house, without any further charge to benefit themselves by any convenient conference, and to study and practise what they please: and shall have liberty and licence to benefit themselves at times appointed, by any books Charts, Experiments, Secrets, or Demonstrations that shall be conserved in the Musaeum, and found out while they live fit for them: according to the judgement of the Regent and Professors. Item, of such whose title is Septennalls and the major part of Professors, the Regent shall be chosen in vacancy of a Regent. Item, by the Major part of Professors and the Septennalls (as many of them) as shall be found resident about the City the Professors hereafter (when ●ny of their places are vacant) shall be chosen. Item, the Gentlemen who intent to be Triennalls or Septennalls, shall stay the first four vacations after their first year's admittance to learn or practise constantly in the Musaeum: but in case they shall have urgent avocation, they shall stay other four vacations, when their business will permit them. Item, no Gentlemen admitted shall suddenly leave one Science Art or Quality which he hath undertaken to learn or practise, and go to another Professor before the Regent be made acquainted with it, who shall make judgement of his proficiency in the former, because the end of the Musaeum, is to have all that are admitted (if possible) more than vulgarly instructed. Item, no Gentleman admitted, till the afternoon shall speak to the Regent except it be about necessary business. Item, no Gentleman shall speak in the forenoon to the Regent about any business, but either in Italian, French or Latin: but if any Gentleman be deficient in all these Languages, then shall he deal with some Professor or other to speak unto the Regent for him in the morning, but in the afternoon free access shall be granted to all that have any occasions to confer with him. Item, no Gentleman admitted shall exercise himself at once about more than two particular Sciences Arts or Qualities whereof one shall be Intellectual, the other Corporal, to avoi● confusion: yet if the capacity of the scholar be extraordinary, this may be dispensed withal, according to the discretion of the Regent and mayor part of Professors. Item, no visits are to be made of any person whatsoever either to the Regent or any of the Professors, or any scholar in the forenoon at the Musaeum. Item, no Professor nor Gentleman nor any other admitted, or belonging to the Musaeum Minervae shall make any comparisons amongst themselves, but shall strive to excel in humanity, and in giving every one his due for the continuance of concord and amity. Item, it is agreed and constituted by the Regent and Professors of the Musaeum Minervae, that these things following shall be read and taught there severally by the Regent, and Professors and their Assistants. The Regent shall see these performed. Heraldrye. Blazon of Coats and Arms Practical knowledge of Deeds and Evidences. Principles and Processes of common Law. Knowledge of Antiquities▪ Coins, Medals, Husbandry, etc. The Doctor of Philosophy and Physic shall read and profess these. physiology. Anatomy, or any other parts of Physic. The Professor of Astronomy shall teach these. Astronomy. Optics. Navigation. cosmography. The Professor of Geometry shall teach these. Arithmetic. analytical Algebra. Geometry. Fortification. Architecture. The Professor of Music shall teach these. Skill in singing and Music to play upon Organ. Lute. Viol, etc. The Professor of Languages shall teach these. Hebrew. Greek. Latin. Italian. French. Spanish. High Dutch. The Professor of Defence shall teach these. Skill at all weapons and wrestling. Also Riding shall be taught, Dancing and behaviour, Painting, Sculpture, Writing. Lastly there shall be annexed a School for the young Gentlemen, whose Parents are desirous to have them brought up in the Musaeum from their first year's Item, these Arts Sciences or Qualities rehearsed, the Professors and their Assistants, shall teach by Demonstration and Experiment as much as the nature of the Art and Science requireth, and as much as in them lieth. Item, the present Professors and successors of every of them, forever shall leave in writing some memorial of the most selected Points, Secrets, Experiments, and Demonstrations which do belong to every of their Arts or Sciences for the greater advancement of learning and knowledge unto the world's end. And this shall be done at their deaths, when they dispose their estates, if they shall be then of ability. Item, because learned men are many times anticipated by death, and their excellencies die with them, Every Professor shall also every new years day every year, or within the twelve days of Christmas give some Rarity in writing or otherwise, to the Library of the house concerning their own Professions, And the Regent shall see them have rewards out of the Treasury according to their several deserts. Item, the Assistants to the Regent and Professors, or to any of them shall be the most able in their several professions that may be had or chosen. Item, at time of sickness, great employment, or for any reasonable cause it shall be permitted to the R●gent or any Professor to substitute a● deputy for some days at his own procurement. Provided always, that the Deputy work according to the Regent and Professors information and appointment, And that his directions be according to the Constitutions of the Musaeum. Item, the Professor of Philosophy and Physic and his Assistant or Assistants shall from time to time according to their abilities and opportunities make experiments of natural things, chief for medicinal use, and what they find certain shall be recorded, and what they find otherwise shall in a book by itself be noted, how and in what manner experiment was made, and how it failed, that men may not afterwards spend their precious time and means in vain, and that the licentious abuses of Impostors hereafter may be detected. Item, it is agreed and constituted by the Regent and Professors of the Musaeum Minervae: that there shall be always a Regent and six other Professors in the said Musaeum, according as is granted and expressed in the Letters patents belonging unto the said Musaeum, confirmed by his Majesty's great Seal. Item, in vacancy of the Regent or any of the Professors, another shall be chosen within six weeks or sooner. Item, the Regent's after the death of Sir Francis Kinaston the first Regent shall be chosen out of the Septennalls, if there shall be found sufficient choice, and the most worthy shall be chosen by the Professors and Septennalls, who shall be found resident about the City, otherwise by the mayor part of Professors only. Item, the Professors in vacancy are to be chosen by the Regent and mayor part of Professors, but when there shall be Septennalls, the voices of these also shall be required as many as shall be found resident about the City, and the most worthy shall be chosen. Item, the Regent and Professors shall be chosen by 〈◊〉 balletting box. Item, no foreigner or alien born out of his Majesty's dominions shall at any time for ever hereafter be elected or admitted to be either Regent or Professor of any of the aforesaid Sciences, Arts or Qualities, except he be only admitted as an Assistant by the approbation of the Regent and mayor part of Professors. And in case by any oversight or deceit any such foreigner shall be admitted either Regent or Professor, upon better knowledge of him, he is to be dismissed immediately ipso facto, and another to be chosen according to the true intents of these Constitutions. Item, in elections and other matters where voices are necessary, the Regent shall have two voices, and the rest of the Professors each of them one a piece. Item, the Assistants shall be chosen by the Regent and mayor part of Professors. Item, the Receiver shall be chosen by the Regent and mayor part of Professors. Item, all officers shall be chosen by the Regent and mayor part of Professors. Item, if any man make any suit by power and authority for the Regent's place, or for any place of the Professors, or for any place of Assistants, it shall be denied him for ever. Item, the admittance money which Gentlemen are to pay, is five pound at the least. Item, the said admittance money is to be paid when the said Gentlemen are admitted. Item, The Professors are to have a monthly Salary, as they use ordinarily to have in other places. Item, if any complaint be made of any Professor for ask too much: the Regent and mayor part of Professors shall regulate the matter. Item, what Professor soever shall be desired to teach out of the Musaeum, shall not go to teach any not admitted of the Musaeum, except he first acquaint the Regent or his deputy with it, and have leave of one of them. Item, if any Professor find any agreevance any way, either in his place, or maintenance: he shall propound it to the Regent and rest of the Professors, and they shall redress it as brotherly and charitably, as if themselves were aggrieved according as the nature of the matter shall permit, being collated with the state of the Musaeum. Item, no Professor nor Assistant shall teach any man within the Musaeum not admitted, except he shall have leave of the Regent, or of his deputy in his absence. Item, the Regent and Professors or mayor part of them shall dispose and employ for the good of the Musaeu● Minervae all benefits, moneys, lands, or whatsoever shal● be given or received by such Agreements, Orders or Rule● as they shall see reason to make for the said end, from time to time, as occasion shall be offered. Item, all admittance moneys, benevolences of money or lands, or what gifts soever shall be paid and delivered into the hands of the Receiver, to the use of the Musaeum Minervae. Item, twice a year all receipts and expenses shall be cast up and examined by the Regent and major part of the Professors, after a month's warning given unto the Receiver. Item, what lands soever are bestowed upon the Musaeum Minervae, shall revertunto the Donours or their Heirs, if the Musaeum Mineruae shall wholly cease, and finally be dissolved. Item, the Regent and Professors shall make covenants with all Assistants or Deputies of the said Musaeum from time to time, as they shall judge it best, for the well governing, and upholding of the said Musaeum. Item, it is agreed and constituted by the Regent and Professors of the Musaeum Minervae, that every Professor shall hold his place during his life, doing the duties of it by himself, while he may without damage or hurt to himself, and by deputy at such times as he is reasonably hindered. Item, no Regent or Professor shall relinquish his place upon any reason, or for any benefit, except he first give security to the Regent and the rest of the Professors according to their reasons and desires. Item, no Regent or Professor shall be displaced for any cause, except for some enormous act against the state and discipline of the Musaeum, such as shall tend to the destruction thereof, or hath brought some notorious infamy upon it, which shall be judged so (according to right judgement) by the Regent and Professors, or by the mayor part of them. Item, for the better continuance: the Regent and Professors shall by all possible means preserve the bond of peace among themselves, and without all emulation or detraction ●very one of them shall do his best endeavour to advance the estimation and credit of every one of his fellow Professors for the public good of the Musaeum. Item, that the bond of peace may be more firm, no man shall pertinaciously dispute at meetings of Professors, but only decently and temperately propound what he judgeth best, and shall no way for any end of his own raise disturbance, or be troublesome in over many words, or in words uttered in any choleric manner, especially if the scope of the speech shall make against the benefit, honour, or end of the Musaeum, which rules if any Professor shall break, he shall be sentenced at twenty shillings, which shall be bestowed upon the Assistants of Music, or other Officers of the Musaeum. Item, the Receiver shall hold his place during his life, except there be found some great cause to dismiss him, as fraud or the like. Item, the Schoolmaster is to hold his place during his life except for some insufferable neglects of his duty in his place or some enormous act against the good of the Musaeum, 〈◊〉 for some enormous scandal he deserve to be displaced. Item, it is agreed and constituted by the Regent and Professors of the Musaeum Minervae, That every Professor shall keep such hours for the instruction of Scholars (as shall be set down by the Regent and mayor part of Professors) as much as conveniently he may. Item, the Astronomical Professor shall keep an exact Diary of every of the Celestial Appearances and of the weather, that at last we may find the causes of our insularie varieties. And every months observations shall be fairly written out, and given up to the Library. Item, the Regent and Professors shall have power to order and regulate all other matters which pertain to the discipline of the house for the greater help of Gentlemen, and better ornament of the Musaeum, always from time to time, as occasion or necessity shall require. Item, the days and hours of all Lectures and Exercise● shall be set down in a Table to be seen by all the Gentlemen. Item, the day of public Music is Tuesday, beginning at two of the clock in the afternoon. Item, to Public shows, Presentations, and Music meetings, none shall be admitted but such as shall bring with them that character which shall be given forth by the Regent for that time. Item, Private Lectures, Instructions or Exercises shall be every day read and taught, the days of Dispensation excepted, which the Regent and mayor part of Professors shall set down, by the Professors of Astronomy, Geometry, Music, Languages and Defence, in any or all their several Arts or Sciences undertaken, if their scholars come unto them. Item, Private instructions of scholars by all the Assistants of the Musaeum shall be given every day to the Gentlemen their scholars, the days of Dispensation before mentioned excepted in all the several Arts and Qualities undertaken by them. Item, Public Lectures which are to be read by the Regent and Professors of Philosophy and Physic, Astronomy, Geometry, Music, and Languages, shall be made in days of full term only, except for some reasons the Regent and Professors shall willingly at other times read publicly. Item, the Qualities of Riding, Dancing, Painting, Sculpture, Writing, and the rest shall be taught every day in like manner as before. Item, although there be public Lectures as aforesaid: yet that only shall be accounted and received for the doctrine and learning of the Musaeum Minervae, which shall be found true, after sufficient experiment, or demonstration, and no other. Item, it is agreed and constituted by the Regent and Professors of the said Musaeum Minervae, that no Constitution Order or Rule made by any man shall be valid for the government of the said Musaeum, or any particular man, Professor, Officer or office of it, except it be first confirmed by the Regent and Professors. Item, the orders and Constitutions of the Musaeum, sha●● at any time receive, increase, diminution, or alteration, sufficient cause be found by the Regent and Professors, before the death of Sir Francis Kinnaston. Provided that no new Change or addition, hurt, but rather help the Continuance of all things at first established, As also the honour and Estimation of the Musaeum, and such things which are for the bettering of such as shall be admitted. Item, after the death of Sir Francis Kinnaston, the Fundamental orders and Constitutions agreed upon by him the first Regent and Professors shall never after be abolished or changed. Item, the Regent is to remember as he shall see opportunity from time to time both publicly and privately, to excite the Noblemen and Gentlemen to virtuous and heroic minds by the example of the most renowned, but especially to set before their eyes, the Images of the Worthies of our own Nation, and of their own Ancestors, in their several families: so that having taken impression in the Musaeum from the best Id'as, the whole kingdom of inferior people, in those several Counties, where they shall be distributed to live, and shine, may find example, help, reason, and happiness in and being under them. Item, the Noblemen and Gentlemen at their first admittance shall have this Constitution immediately going before, read unto them after their admittance, that themselves may know, that one of the principallends of their admittance into the Society of the Musaeum, is the happiness of his Majesty's kingdoms, as well as their own good. Item, neither the Regent nor any Professor shall do any Act or Acts of consequence, which shall concern the state of the Musaeum, of himself, without first acquainting all the rest of the Professors with it, and shall have it assented unto by all, or the mayor part of them, except he be both cl●er in his judgement that he shall do a good benefit for the Musaeum, and also that the omission of it till the Regent and Professors be acquainted with it, may prove a prejudice to the Musaeum. Item, the Regent and Professors shall keep secret whatsoever they agree upon to be kept secret, and that without general leave, and consent of the Regent and mayor part of Professors, it shall not any way be divulged: Provided their Consultations be only for the good of the Musaeum. Item, all the Consultations of the Regent and Professors shall be in private. Item, at times of Consultations of the Regent and Professors, the Regent is first to speak or propound, Than secondly the Professor of Philosophy and Physic, and so every one in that order and rank as they are set down and named in the former Constitutions. Item, if any two or more differ in their Consultations, they are to be heard by the rest to dispute it briefly and temperately, and one after another in order: and then the Regent and mayor part of Professors agreeing, shall make decision. Item, no man shall interrupt the Regent in his discourses, nor any of the Professors one another, but they shall have liberty to speak what they please for the good of the Mus●●um, or themselves, Provided they be not over tedious 〈◊〉 their discourses, which thing the Regent shall moderate. Item, all matters taken in Consultation shall not be affectionately, nor hastily decreed, but seriously weighed and if more matters are propounded, that shall first be decreed, which is of most and present necessity: otherwise what is first propounded, shall be concluded before other matters come into deliberation. Item, once every week shall be a meeting of the Regent and Professors to consult for the good of the Musaeum, which shall be on Saturday in the afternoon, between two or three of the clock, under a penalty of ten shillings, to the stock of the house, except it be dispensed withal upon notice given before hand, or afterwards sufficiently proved, that notice could not be given in time. Item, the Regent in his absence from the Musaeum, shall appoint one of the Professors to supply his place, whom he shall judge most able to discharge it, who shall do generally and in particulars, as may be according to the Regent's directions. Item, it is agreed and constituted by the Regent and Professors of the Musaeum Minervae, that all sums of money shall be taken by the Receiver, and delivered unto him. Item, the Receiver shall give sufficient security to the Regent and Professors. Item, the Receiver shall distribute all such sums of money as he receiveth, according to the appointment of the Regent and mayor part of Professors for the occasions of the Musaeum, and not otherwise. Item, the Receiver shall keep a book of all admittances which shall be very fairly written. Item, the Receiver shall keep a book of all Receipts and disbursements. Item, the Regent and Professors shall from time to time and at all times use and employ the best of their endeavours to the enlargement and building or adorning of the Musaeum, or to any other thing which shall by the Regent and mayor part of Professors be judged to conduce to the honour and advancement of the same, out of such moneys and revenues of lands as shall come to their Receivers hands by the bounty or benevolence of Benefactors or friends given to the said Musaeum Minervae, the Pensions of Regent, Professors, Schoolmasters, Assistants and Officers being first paid. Item, it is agreed and Constituted by the Regent and Professors of the Musaeum Minervae, That the Books of Secrets, Experiments, and Demonstrations shall be communicated to none but to the Professors, Septennalls and Receiver, or such other, as the Regent and Professors shall upon a very great reason see cause to yield unto. Item, if any Gentleman shall have any natural Experiment or Secret, and shall communicate it to the Musaeum, and upon trial it be found true and good, his name and Experiment shall be recorded in Libro Nobilium, for a perpetual honour unto him. Item, if any Gentleman shall be come any ways a Benefactor to the Musaeum, he shall ever be honourably remembered in Libro Nobilium. Item, there shall be Liber Nobilium always kept, in which Benefactors and their benefits are to be recorded, beginning with King Charles our first and royal Benefactor. Item, if any accidental masters in any faculty, shall come to confer with any Professor of the Musaeum, and shall impart any singular demonstration in Science, or Secret in nature profitable, they shall receive an Honorarium of the Musaeum, and be also honoured in Libro Nobilium totie● quoties, but the quantity and quality of the Honorarium shall be agreed upon by the Regent and mayor part of the Professors. Item, no book shall be noted or blotted with ink, lead, or other matter. Item, no book shall be lent out of the Musaeum but to the Professors only, and no Professor shall take any book out of the Library, or ordinary place where it standeth, except he leave in a paper book there being for the purpose, his name, and the name of the book, and the time when he took it, and also except he acquaint the Library keeper with it. Item, every book lent, when it is to be restored to the Library again, is to be viewed by the Library keeper or some of the Professors which are most likely to know it best. Item, in the minor Libraries every Professor shall be ●●●rged with the books of his own Library, and no Professor shall take out any book out of one another's Library with 〈◊〉 the knowledge of the Professor of that Art or Science. Item, no Book, Charte, Instrument or Rarity whatsoever be●●●ging to the Musaeum, shall be any ways alienated, altered 〈◊〉 changed, except for the greater good and benefit of the ●usaeum, neither shall any alienation, alteration or change 〈◊〉 made of any Book, Charte, or Instrument, or any other ●●●ng belonging to the Musaeum, but by consent of the Re●●nt and maior part of the Professors of the Musaeum. Item, if any Regent or Professor hereafter of the Musae●● shall make away, or endeavour to destroy, or open his ●outh to destroy any books of what Art or Science soever, 〈◊〉 any Antiquity or other matter which hath been once re●●ved into the Musaeum by the Regent and Professors, ●●d laid up there for the benefit of the Noblemen and Gentlemen, or for their delight, or for any other reason, for which it was by the Regent and Professors at the first re●●ived, and there conserved: He shall ipso facto be dismissed, without any after restitution to his place again, or any other office in the Musaeum Mineruae for ever. Item, the Regent and Professors from time to time shall take care that such of themselves as do survive, shall honourably inter and solemnize the Funerals of the Regent 〈◊〉 any of the Professors deceased according to their places, ●●d as they have deserved in the Musaeum or otherwise, for ●●e good of the kingdom: and also that there be Funerall ●●ations made, such as may be to the honour of the deceased, for the reasons before mentioned, and for incitement of the living unto the best deserts. The Oath to be administered to the REGENT and PROFESSORS OF THE MUSAEUM MINERVAE, Within three days after their Election. I. A. B. do promise and swear to yield and perform from ti●● to time and at all times all fidelity and allegiance unto our Sovereign Lord King Charles, and do swear and promise to execute and discharge from time to time with all fidelity my place and off●●● of Regentship Professourship in the Musaeum Minervae. And also to perform and keep to the utmost of my power and sk●●● as long as I live, all and singular such Constitutions of the s●●● Musaeum Minervae, which do and may concern my said pl●●● and office according to the true intent and meaning of the said Constitutions. And also I swear and promise always to advance the hono●● benefit and good estate of the said Musaeum Minervae to the ●●most of my power. And to preserve and augment as much as in me lieth, the es●mation and credit of the Regent and Professors of the said Musaeum Minervae. And lastly, never to dispense with my fidelity, honesty or conscience in the Election of any Regent, Professor, Deputies Assistant, or in doing any Act wittingly cont●●●● to the constitutions and Orders of the said Musaeum Minervae, or prejudicial to the same Musaeum, for any temporal respects whatsoever. So help me God. FINIS.