T/HIS society deserves a special notice, as from it proceeded, directly or indirectly, the greater number of the works of the Aberdeen metaphysicians.The names of the members are worthy of being preserved, as they were all men of ability.The original members were Dr.John Gregory, Dr.
David Skene, Mr.Robert Trail, Mr.George Campbell, Mr.John Steward and Mr.Thomas Reid.In 1758, were elected Mr.
Charles Gordon, Mr.Alexander Gerard, Mr.John Farquhar (minister at Nigg), and Mr.John Kerr.In later years were elected Mr.James Beattie in 1760, Dr.George Skene in 1763, Mr.W.Ogilvy in 1763, Mr.James Dunbar in 1765, and Mr.
William Traill in 1766.Dr.Reid was secretary for the first year.The society met twice a month, in the afternoon or evening, in a tavern in one or other of the towns.We are amused at the provision made by the philosophers for their bodily wants.There was an entertainment, the expense of which was not to exceed eighteen pence a head; the whole expense might be about ten shillings, of which one-half was for a bottle of {228} port, for punch and porter, the other half for the more solid eatables.It was a written rule, showing how anxious the grave men were to secure propriety, that "any member may take a glass at a by-table while the president is in the chair, but no health shall be drunk during that time." The meeting continued its sittings for three hours, there being room for free conversation half an hour before, and half an hour after, the president took or vacated the chair.The attendance may have averaged half a dozen.The first meeting was held Jan.12, 1758.About 1772, the forfeits for nonattendance are getting heavy, and discontent is expressed.The minutes show a meeting so late as February, 1773, after which the society disappears.
