ODDFELLOWS, a name adopted by the members of certain social institutions having mystic signs of recogni tion, initiatory rites and ceremonies, and various grades of dignity and honour. The objects the associations have in view are purely social and benevolent; the sphere of their operations is confined wholly to their own members, and secrecy is enjoined in regard to all benevolent acts. As in the case of most other institutions of a similar kind, a claim of venerable antiquity has been set up for the order of Oddfellows,—the most common account of its origin ascribing it to the Jewish legion under Titus, who, it is asserted, received from that emperor its first charter written on a golden tablet. Statements even more improbable and fantastic have been made regarding its foundation, but Oddfellows themselves now generally admit that the institution cannot be traced to an earlier period than the first half of the 18th century, and explain the name as adopted at a time when the severance into sects and classes was so wide that persons aiming at social union and mutual help were a marked exception to the general rule. Mention is made by Defoe of the society of Oddfellows, but the oldest lodge of which the name has been handed down is the Loyal Aristarcus, No. 9, which met in 1745 “at the Oakley Arms, Borough of Southwark; Globe Tavern, Hatton Garden; or the Boar’s Head in Smithfield, as the noble master may direct.” The earliest lodges were supported by each member and visitor paying a penny to the secretary on entering the lodge, and special sums were voted to any brother in need. If out of work he was supplied with a card and funds to reach the next lodge, and he went from lodge to lodge until he found employment. Now there is a regular system of periodical dues ...