FOUNDING OF THE ACADEMY 15 
academy of Berlin and that of St. Petersburg. “These modes of stimulation or 
encouragement may be considered inconsistent with our social ideas and perhaps 
with our forms of government. ‘There are honors, nevertheless, which in an 
intelligent democracy have been and may be justly awarded to those who enlarge 
the field of human thought and human power. Heretofore, but two principal 
means of distinction have been recognized in this country, viz: the acquisition 
of wealth and the possession of political power. “The war seems to have offered a 
third, in bestowing position and renown for successful military achievement. ‘The 
establishment of this Academy may be perhaps regarded as having opened a fourth 
avenue for the aspirations of a laudable ambition, which interferes neither with 
our national prejudices nor our political principles, and which only requires the 
fostering care of government to become of essential benefit and importance 
not only to this, but all the civilized countries of the world.” ?* 
Whatever the merit of the views enunciated by Professor 
Henry, no tangible evidence of distinction has been attached 
to membership in the Academy, such as is connected with 
high military, political or judicial station. The members of 
the early American Geological Society were accustomed to 
append the letters ‘““ M. A. G.S.” to their names, corresponding 
foethe fannliar “OF. RS)? “OE Se etes ot the Reayal 
Society and the Linnean Society of London, and other English 
associations, but the practice has not obtained in connection with 
the National Academy of Sciences.” 
To be the scientific adviser of the Government was second 
among the principal objects of the Academy, as laid down in 
the act of incorporation in 1863. The country was then in the 
throes of the Civil War, and the Government needed, as never 
before, sound advice on technical scientific subjects, especially 
such as had a bearing on naval and military affairs. Numerous 
commissions were appointed, including the Permanent Com- 
mission, already mentioned, and it was quite in harmony with 
‘ the purpose of these organizations that one of the chief duties 
of the new academy should be to aid the Government wherever 
scientific truths could be serviceable. It has been intimated 
* Rep. Nat. Acad. Sci. for 1867 (1868), pp. 3, 4. Sen. Misc. Doc. no. 106, 40th Congress, 
2d Session. 
= Goode, G. B. The origin of the National Scientific and Educational Institutions of the 
United States. Ann. Rep. Amer. Hist. Assoc. for 1889 (1890), p. 68. 
