_Study of Geometry in Lancashire_ (Vol. ii., p. 57.).--Your correspondent Mr. T. T. WILKINSON, in his interesting article on this subject, attributes the first rise of the study of geometry in Lancashire to the Oldham Mathematical Society. But he is not perhaps aware, that half a century before a Mathematical Society existed at Manchester. I have a thin 8vo., entitled-- "Mathematical Lectures; being the first and second that were read to the Mathematical Society at Manchester. By the late ingenious Mathematician John Jackson. '_Who can number the Sands of the Sea, the Drops of Rain, and the Days of Eternity?_' Ecclus. i. 2. '_He that telleth the Number of the Stars, and calleth them all by their Names._' Psalm cxlvii. 4. Manchester, printed by Roger Adams, in the Parsonage, and sold by William Clayton, Bookseller, at the Conduit. 1719." The book is dedicated to the "Virtuous and Religious Lady Bland." The Preface states that "There having been lately set up in Manchester a Mathematical Society, which was encouraged by many (and some Honorable) subscribers, and the composing of the Lectures being undertaken by the late ingenious Mathematician Mr. John Jackson, and he having discharged himself well becoming his parts and character in the reading of several extraordinary ones in Geometry, we thought it would be great pity, as well as ingratitude, to let such worthy performances expire with him." Then follow the two Lectures, which terminate at p. 41. The first was read Aug. 12, 1718; the second, Aug. 19, 1718. The Manchester Mathematical Society would be one of the earliest in the kingdom. Perhaps the Oldham Society might be a branch of the Manchester. JAMES CROSSLEY. _Coke, how pronounced_ (Vol. iv., pp. 24. 74. 93. 138. 244.).--I think that the pronunciation of _Cook_ for _Coke_ is not a "modern affectation," as in a MS. journal of the proceedings in parliament of the session of 1621, now in my possession, there is, amongst other amusing things, an account of a quarrel between Mr. Clement Coke, son of Sir Edward, and Sir Charles Moryson, in which Mr. Coke's name is frequently spelt _Cooke_. I should judge that the pronunciation was by no means settled at that time; for, as the journal was evidently written whilst the debates were going on, it appears to me that the pronunciation of each speaker was followed, and the name is spelt differently in speeches that succeed each other. I send you an exact copy of one example of this: "M'r Whittbye.--That M'r _Coke_ will submitt and satisfy in acknow'g his wrong don, if S'r Char's will say he ment it not a disgrace. "S'r Ro. Phil'ps.--I would any way mitigate y'e censure: I should need no other induce't but to rememb'r he is y'e soun of such a father. But I must say, I thinke S'r Char's hath not given y'e least occas'n to M'r _Cooke_," &c. &c. C. DE D.