The Cambridge History of English and American Literature in 18 Volumes (1907–21).
Volume VIII. The Age of Dryden.
XVI. The Essay and the Beginning of Modern English Prose.
§ 2. Interest in Science and Demand for Clearness of Style.
So writes Sprat, the first historian of the Royal Society. Almost at the same time, in December, 1664, his colleagues gave effect to their views by appointing a committee for the improvement of the English language, which included, besides himself, Waller, Dryden and Evelyn. 1 Doubtless, it was out of this committee that the idea arose of founding an English academy for the “improvement of speaking and writing” on the model of the French one. This idea was discussed at three or four meetings held at Gray’s inn, where, in addition to the above, Cowley and the duke of Buckingham, also members of the Royal Society, were present. But, in consequence of the plague and “other circumstances intervening,” the plan “came to nothing.” 2
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