from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
JOINT STOCK BANKS. In England they are a species of quasi corporations, or
companies regulated by deeds of settlement; and, in this respect, the stand
in the same situation as other unincorporated bodies. But they differ from
the latter in this, that they are invested by certain statutes with powers
and privileges usually incident to corporations. These enactments provide
for the continuance of the partnership, notwithstanding a change of
partners. The death, bankruptcy, or the sale by a partner of his share, does
not affect the identity of the partnership; it, continues the same body,
under the same name, by virtue of the act of parliament, notwithstanding
these changes. 7 Geo. IV., c. 46, s. 9.