Danzig -- Intellectual Life -- Societas literaria cuius symbolum: virtutis et scientiarum incrementa

Founded on 23 October 1720 by five of Danzig's leading citizens, largely lawyers, this private society adopted the motto: virtutis et scientiarum incrementa (the practice of virtue and science increases happiness). It met Mondays (in winter from 4 to 9 pm, in summer from 5 to 10 pm) to discuss scientific and historical subjects: mathematics, astronomy, natural history, law, history and antiquities. No theological issues were to be discussed. Visitors were invited and gradually new members (including several doctors) were added until the membership reached nine. All were expected to participate actively. At first the group met at members' homes where refreshments were served, then it rented a permanent room in one of the members' homes. Dues went for paper, rent and other expenses. Fines were levied for tardiness and absence. Sometimes individual members would present favorite topics or reported on subjects related to their professions. Other times members were obliged to suggest a topic for discussion the following week. Among the latter were questions of general interest, such as what the most pleasing thing in the world was; whether slander or flattery was more harmful; the causes of tight money; whether justice suffered more from godless, but learned judges or from god-fearing, but ignorant and simple-minded ones. The recorded minutes filled 6 folio volumes before the group disbanded in 1727. Neither Johann Georg nor Johann Adam Kulmus belonged to this group, but several of its members or guests may be counted in their circle of friends: Dr. Johann Philipp Breyne; Dr. David Kade; Jacob Theodor Klein; and most likely Dr. Georg Remus. (Founding members were Friedrich Gottlieb Engelke, Johann Heinrich Morgener, Carl Gottlieb Ehler, Gottfried Lengnich and Gottfried Penski.)