Gower Street. Erected from the designs of William Wilkins, Esq., R.A.; the first stone having been laid in 1827, by the Duke of Sussex. The elevation is at once classical and elegant, having in the centre a handsome portico of the Corinthian order, elevated on a plinth to

the height of the first story (nineteen feet), approached by numerous steps, well arranged for effect. The pediment is supported by twelve Corinthian columns, and in the tympanum is an allegorical bas-relief. Behind the pediment is a cupola, finished by a lantern light, in imitation of a Grecian Temple, crowning a grand octagonal saloon. North of this is the Museum of Natural History, one hundred and eighteen feet in length; corresponding with it, on the south, is the Library, of the same dimensions, with rooms for the librarian, &c.

By their charter, the College is empowered to grant "degrees," under the common seal, except in divinity.

Smirke, and forms the entire east wing of Somerset House, which had so long remained in an unfinished state. The entrance is by a neat, though confined, semicircular archway from the Strand, over which is placed the Royal Arms, supported by figures symbolical of Wisdom and Holiness, with the motto Senate et Sapienter. The building extends from the Strand to the Thames, and occupies an area of between fifty and sixty thousand feet, the western front is three hundred and four feet in length, and the interior, which is very capacious, is well calculated for its intended object. The centre of the principal floor is occupied by the chapel, under which is the hall for examinations, &c.

The college consists of two departments-a college, in which is a school of medicine and surgery for senior, and a grammar school for junior students; and provides for the residence of some of them in the houses of the tutors. It is under the superintendence of a principal and thirty masters..

THE ROYAL INSTITUTION,

Albemarle Street, Piccadilly. Established in 1799, chiefly through the exertions of Count Rumford, an able practical philosopher of that day. The meetings commenced in the year 1800, shortly before which time the proprietors obtained a charter of incorporation, for the purpose of facilitating the introduction of useful and mechanical inventions and improvements; and for teaching, by courses of philosophical lectures and experiments, the application of science to the common purposes of life, whence the motto of the institution-" Illustrans commoda vitæ." The building is spacious, and well adapted to the purposes to which it is applied; it originally consisted of five private houses, which having

been purchased by the Institution, an imposing architectural front was added, from the designs of Mr. L. Vuilliany, consisting of fourteen fluted half-columns, of the Corinthian order, placed upon a stylobate; and, occupying the height of three floors, support an entabla ture and the attic story. On the fascia is inscribed THE ROYAL INSTITUTION OF GREAT BRITAIN. The lectures delivered here are of a very popular class, and are well attended. In the reading-room are deposited choice or rare specimens of art, taste, and vertu. Open daily, from ten till four. Admission, by member's order.

Pall Mall East. For the sittings of the learned body by whom the medical practitioners are regulated. It is an elegant and commodious building, having a Grecian

portico; and consists of two stories, with decorated windows. It was erected in 1824, from the designs of Sir Robert Smirke.

COLLEGE OF SURGEONS,

Lincoln's Inn Fields, south side. Rebuilt in 1836, from designs by Chas. Barry, Esq., R.A. The exterior is a noble building of the Ionic order, and the interior is grand, spacious, and appropriate. The museum is an extensive building of an oblong form, with galleries surrounding it; and is the depository of the valuable collection of the late John Hunter, purchased by Government, from the executors of that great man, for £20,000. The Hunterian Oration is delivered on the 14th February In each year, to which the attendance of the members of the College alone is permitted, without a ticket from a member of the council'