French Academy. This academy was established in 1635 by Cardinal Richelieu in order to perfect the language; and in general its object is all topics relating to Grammar, Poetry, and Eloquence. The formalities are most simple, and a change has never been authorized: the number of members is set at forty, all equal; titled men are not admitted except under the title of Men of Letters; and Cardinal Richelieu, who knew the value of talents, wished that its spirit would walk on the same line beside social status and nobility. This Academy has a Director and a Chancellor, who are drawn by lot every three months, and a Secretary who is perpetual. It has counted and still counts today among its members several persons renowned for their minds and for their works. It meets three times a week at the old Louvre during the whole year; on Monday, Tuesday and Saturday. There are absolutely no other public meetings except those in which a new member is accepted, and one meeting which happens every year the Feast of Saint Louis when the Academy awards the prizes for Eloquence and Poetry, each consisting of a gold medallion. It has published a Dictionary of the French Language which has already had three editions, and which it continually strives to perfect. The motto of this Academy is To Immortality.