THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 191 



meteorological science, and the affairs of the Smithsonian Institution 

 Building. I think we are now in a fair way to have many knotty 

 problems solved with regard to the mutual connection and causes 

 of many natural phenomena. There certainly is no way in which 

 the will of the founder of the Smithsonian Institution as to the increase 

 of knowledge can be more effectually carried out than in taking charge 

 of what no individual or even ordinary society could grasp. I consider 

 the day as not very distant when many of the most interesting ques- 

 tions in natural and physical science shall be solved by the agencies 

 set in motion by the Institution, yourself at the head. How easy to 

 call upon the trained meteorological correspondents for information 

 upon other subjects, the distribution and local or general appearance 

 of certain forms of animals, vegetables, or minerals; the occurrence 

 of various diseases over the entire country; the spread and rate of 

 progress of a pestilence as small pox, yellow fever, or cholera through 

 the land; the range of action of noxious insects, as the Hessian fly, 

 the cotton or tobacco worm, etc. with an infinity of others. I have 

 long dreamed of some central association or influence which might 

 call for such information, digest it, and then publish it in practical 

 form to the world, and I see that my dream is not far from realization. 

 Pennsylvania should not be behindhand with Massachusetts and 

 New York in their aids to science. She will, I hope, follow their 

 example when she realizes that an example has been set her by states 

 with whom she has endeavored to compete in plans for universal 

 education. 



There is quite an interesting article on meteorology in the Bilder 

 Atlas which I have already translated, but have not had transcribed 

 for the printer. It may occupy some pages of the Iconographic 

 Encyclopedia. I would be much gratified if you would read it over 

 and note any errors which may have crept in or been retained. I 

 have finished the matter of about 700 pages of the whole American 

 edition, having rendered nearly 300 last month. If I can continue 

 at the same rate for several months longer I shall be through with it. 

 Translating scientific matters is with me a labor of love, and when 

 I finish the work I am at I shall miss a pleasant occupation. If you 

 do not check my presumption, I may come upon you for permission 

 to help you in your physical investigations by translating or digesting 

 matters of German science. I could do much more than I now accom- 



