leading and controlling principles of organization and operation embodied in the Programme, omitting details that simply elucidate their practical execution.

There are, however, two practical suggestions that are worthy of being particularized. One is, that the Institution should aim to produce results which cannot be produced by the existing institutions of the country. The other, that, as in proportion to the wide field of knowledge to be cultivated, the funds are small, economy should be consulted in the construction of the buildings; and not only the first cost of the buildings be considered, but the expense of keeping them in repair, and of the support of the establishment necessarily connected with them. Moreover, that there should be but few individuals supported by the Institution. Two officers only are named as demanded by the present wants of the Institution. The Secretary, who is general superintendent of the literary and scientific operations, and editor of its publications, and the Assistant Secretary, who is acting librarian, and joint editor of the publications of the Institution. These officers are also expected, occasionally, to illustrate new discoveries in science, and exhibit new objects of art, by lectures during the session of Congress.

It is certainly gratifying to feel assured that the splendid bequest of Smithson is not to be exhausted in costly buildings, like the great public legacy of a late American citizen. It is well, also, that the trust is not to be in a measure perverted to local purposes, by confining its resources to the establishment of a national library. The plan of rendering it the seat and centre of vital energy and activity to the science and literature of a youthful republic, an ever pulsating heart, distributing life and strength throughout the body politic of letters, prompting, sustaining, and guiding every department of intellectual exertion here, and thus effecting an influence upon mankind at large, is not only more accordant with the intentions of the philanthropic testator, but is in itself a nobler enterprise. As an exponent of universal science for our whole country; as the headquarters of bibliographical information; and as a register of the progress of knowledge, where the latest achievements of the human mind may be found-in mercantile phrase "posted up" for convenient reference, and the farthest footsteps of the last traveller in the paths of learning duly noted for the benefit of subsequent adventurers, the Smithsonian Institution may equally fulfill the design of its founder.

It is true that its operations will sometimes be carried into

fields for whose culture particular institutions have been established; yet no ungenerous rivalry need spring from this cause. Its earliest enterprise happens to have been upon ground first occupied by our own association; and the beautiful manner in which the pioneer labors of this society have been illustrated, verified, and extended, by the elaborate and expensive publication of recent investigations, can nowhere afford more sincere gratification. But the Smithsonian Institution is destined to occupy a position that no other does fill or can fill; its labors are for the common benefit of our country and mankind; and institutions of a more limited character should (each in its sphere) be disposed to render heartily such co-operation as is appropriate to the purposes of their respective foundations. All which is respectfully submitted.

For the committee:

SAM'L F. HAVEN, Chairman.

At a meeting of the council of the American Antiquarian Society, January 31, 1849, the foregoing report having been read and accpted, it was

Voted, That a copy be transmitted to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution.

Attest:

SAM'L F. HAVEN,

Recording Secretary pro tempore.

From Henry Smith.

MARIETTA COLLEGE,

MARIETTA, OHIO, February 1, 1849.

Highly approving the principles and plan set forth in the "Programme of Organization of the Smithsonian Institution," it will give both myself and my colleagues great pleasure to co-operate with the conductors of the Institution in any way in our power, in accomplishing the benevolent and important designs which it has in view.

From B. Manly.

UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA, TUSCALOOSA, ALA., February 5, 1849. The Programme of the Smithsonian Institution we have examined, and find nothing to suggest, save this, that the longitude of places, where occultations and lunar culminations are regularly observed, may be determined independently of solar and lunar tables, it is desirable that these observations be statedly published. We have thought that

the Smithsonian Institution might undertake to do this, in a monthly or quarterly bulletin.

We will cheerfully co-operate in the astronomical department (now under the charge of Prof. L. C. Garland) by observing as many occultations as circumstances permit.

As respects a meteorological journal, or a series of observations in that department, our officers are collecting and repairing the few imperfect instruments we have, and are willing to do all they can. But they apprehend that, without more perfect means at their command, they will not be able to do enough to serve the purposes of scientific induction.

From Joseph Estabrook.

EAST TENNESSEE UNIVERSITY, KNOXVILLE, TENN., February 9, 1849. At a special meeting of the Faculty of East Tennessee University, held 9th February, 1849, the President presented the "Programme of Organization of the Smithsonian Institution, accompanied by a circular of the Secretary and Assistant Secretary, asking his views in relation thereto, and requesting his co-operation in cases where it may be required.

The President expressed his desire that the Faculty would consider this part of the circular as addressed to them collectively, rather than to himself individually; whereupon it

was

Resolved, That the Faculty take a lively interest in the operations of the Smithsonian Institution; that they have carefully examined the Programme put forth by the Secretary, and, in general, highly approve the views therein contained, and that they will cordially co-operate with the officers of the Institution in their high endeavors "for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men."

It was observed by the professor of natural sciences that he had commenced a careful series of meteorological observations expressly for the Institution; and other members of the Faculty expressed their willingness to prepare memoirs on subjects connected with their respective pursuits.

From F. A. Muhlenberg, Jr.

FRANKLIN COLLEGE,

LANCASTER, PENN., February 10, 1849.

Permit me to state, in reply to your interrogatory, that in general, I approve of the plan of organization, &c., as con

tained in the pamphlet you sent me, and think it excellent and judicious. Of course difference of mental or bodily constitution, natural or acquired preferences, will cause men to differ as to the minute details of any plan prepared by others, and perhaps to find fault with, as they think, the too great prominence given to particular branches. This might be the case with myself, but I do not regard it of sufficient importance to communicate; for if such be the fact, it will correct itself in time. The practical working of the Institution will show better than all theories the best improvements of the plan of organization. As a commencement, in my humble opinion, the plan is a very excellent one; and under the superintendence of its distinguished and able officers, I have no doubt it will be very successful in promoting the noble object of Smithson, "the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men." Though, however, in the language of Smithson, "the man of science has no country," I think a good degree of preference ought to be shown to American and English authors.

From Horace Webster.

FREE ACADEMY, N. Y., February 17, 1849.

The Programme accompanying your communication was duly received. It contains, so far as I am able to judge, all that is essential and important to a most wise and judicious organization of the Smithsonian Institution.

From David L. Swain.

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA,

CHAPEL HILL, February 17, 1849. I have examined carefully the Programme of the Smithsonian Institution. It appears to me to be exceedingly comprehensive, and, in general, to be well arranged. Were I impressed even less favorably with the leading features of the scheme, I should hesitate about proposing immediate alterations. Time, the greatest, though most gradual of innovators, may disclose defects and suggest improvements, and I can but think it will be commendable prudence to permit the Institute to abide this test, under its present organization.

It will afford me high gratification to have it in my power to co-operate in any measure which may promise in any degree a fulfilment of the great design of the founder.

From Josiah L. Pickard.

PLATTEVILLE ACADEMY, PLATTEVILLE, WIS., March 13, 1849.

The Programme, contained in the report, meets our hearty approval; and I am authorized by the board of trustees of this institution, by a resolution passed at their last meeting, (a copy of which you will please find below,) to assure you of all assistance in our power to render, for the furtherance of the noble objects contemplated by the Smithsonian Institution.

From S. A. Bronson.

KENYON COLLEGE, GAMBIER, OHIO, March 15, 1849. With your Programme I am highly gratified, and shall be happy to further your objects in any way that I am able. In pursuance with this, I would now suggest the propriety, if it falls in with your plan, and you are prepared to ask it, to call upon H. L. Thrall, M. D., professor of chemistry in this institution, to furnish a report upon the present state of the knowledge of electricity, and its relation to light, heat, gravitation, &c., &c.; in short, of the axial forces of matter, I think he would make a report that would not only tend to diffuse knowledge, but to increase it upon this interesting topic.

From John Williams.

TRINITY COLLEGE, HARTFORD, CONN., March 20, 1849. It must be quite superfluous for me to even express approbation of a plan so wisely matured and digested as that contained in the Programme; and it would be more than superfluous to suggest any improvements. If I might, however, venture in a word, I would express the hope that a good deal of attention will be devoted to the publishing of works bearing on our history. There are many such works which will see the light in no other way.

From D. N. Sheldon.

WATERVILLE COLLEGE, WATERVILLE, ME., March 24, 1849.

I have taken some time to consider the subject, and now say in a single sentence, and in a general way only, (for there is no time to go into details,) that the plan of organi