The Society is not to be confounded with the 'Saturday Club,' which was a meeting of political intimates — almost a Cabinet. (See p. 285, 1. 9, and p. 289, 1. 6.) The Society was first started in Swift's absence, but its rules were drawn up by him. Its object was, in his own words, 'to advance conversation and friendship, and to reward deserving persons with our interest and recommendation. We take in none but men of wit and men of interest( = influence).' At first the number was only twelve: amongst whom were Swift, St. John, Wyndham, Raymond (Attorney-General), Bathurst, Granville, Mansel, Masham, Lewis, Arbuthnot, and the Duke of Shrewsbury. The Lord Treasurer and Lord Harcourt were admitted soon after, and the number seems to have grown to more than twenty. They dined together every Thursday; and when it was his turn to be President and paymaster, the extravagance of the feasts caused many a pang to Swift. At first it was called a club; but this name was discarded for 'The Society.' Lord Dupplin, the President for this day, was son of Lord Kinnoull, and son-in-law of Harley.