Humane Society — Chambers's Encyclopaedia

Two circular medals of the Royal Humane Society. The left medal is the obverse, showing a laurel wreath surrounding the text 'VIT. OB. SERV. D. D. SOC. REG. IVM.' and 'HOC PRETIUM CIVE SERVANO LITAT' around the edge. The right medal is the reverse, showing a winged figure (a cherub) holding a torch and a shield, with the text 'LATEAT SCINTILLVLA FORSAN' around the edge and 'SOC. LOND. IN RESVSCITAT INTERMORTVORVM INSTIT. MDCCCLXIV' at the bottom. — Medal of the Royal Humane Society
(actual size $1\frac{1}{2}$ inch diameter).

Humane Society, THE, was formed in 1774 by Dr Hawes and Dr Cogan and thirty-two others, in London, for the purpose of resuscitating those who had been immersed in water and were apparently drowned. At the present time it distributes rewards, consisting of medals, clasps, testimonials, and sums of money, to those who save or attempt to save life from drowning. Also 'all cases of exceptional bravery in rescuing or attempting to rescue persons from asphyxia in mines, wells, blast-furnaces, or in sewers where foul gas may endanger life, are recognisable by the society.' It likewise gives prizes for swimming to the pupils of public schools and of training-ships. Boats and boatmen are kept on the Serpentine in Hyde Park for the purpose of watching over the bathers who resort thither. And during the skating season experienced icemen are sent to the various waters in and around London to help in case of accidents. The society is supported by bequests and private subscriptions. Since 1873 the Stanhope gold medal has been awarded 'to the case exhibiting greatest gallantry during the year.' In 1889 more than five hundred rewards were distributed, one hundred more than in any other year since the foundation of the society. The figure shows the medal of the society. Another reverse is used when it is presented to persons who have risked their lives to save others, but without success; the inscription is 'VITA PERICULO EXPOSITA DONO DEDIT SOCIETAS REGIA HUMANA.' See Annual Report of the Royal Humane Society (4 Trafalgar Square, W.C.).