14. NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES 
responsible. It is, however, responsible for those who have since been and are still 
to be elected; and I am happy to say that in filling the large number of vacancies 
which have been occasioned by death and resignation since the original organi- 
zation, the principle before mentioned has been strictly observed, and no one has 
been admitted except after a full discussion of his claims and a satisfactory 
answer to the question, ‘ What has he done to advance science in the line of 
research which he has especially prosecuted ? ’ 
“The organization of this academy may be hailed as marking an epoch in the 
history of philosophical opinions in our country. It is the first recognition by our 
government of the importance of abstract science as an essential element of mental 
and material progress.” 71 
It is obvious from the foregoing statements of Bache and 
Henry, that two principal objects were uppermost in the minds 
of the founders—to afford recognition to those men of science 
who had done original work of real importance and thereby to 
stimulate them and others to further endeavors; and to aid 
the Government in the solution of technical scientific problems 
having a practical bearing on the conduct of public business. 
The idea that election to membership in a scientific associa- 
tion incorporated by the Congress of the United States might be 
regarded as a badge of distinction conferred by our Government, 
similar to the honors bestowed by the monarchical govern- 
ments of Europe, seems to have provoked more or less discus- 
sion. By some, the bestowal of any such recognition was thought 
to be inconsistent with democratic principles. Professor Henry, 
however, was of the contrary opinion. In his report for 1867, 
already quoted, he remarks: 
“Tt is not enough for our government to offer encouragement to the direct 
promotion of the useful arts through the more or less fortunate efforts of 
inventors; it is absolutely necessary, if we would advance or even preserve our 
reputation for true intelligence, that encouragement and facilities should be 
afforded for devotion to original research in the various branches of human knowl- 
edge. In the other countries scientific discovery is stimulated by pensions, by 
titles of honor, and by various social and official distinctions. ‘The French 
academicians receive an annual salary and are decorated with the insignia of the 
legion of honor. Similar marks of distinction are conferred on the members of the 
* Rep. Nat. Acad. Sci. for 1867 (1868), pp. 1, 2. Sen. Misc. Doc. no. 106, goth Congress, 
2d Session. 
