ANNALS OF THE ACADEMY 69 
again for consideration in 1885, when it was proposed to divide 
the membership into four sections, but this proposition was re- 
jected.” Notwithstanding this decision, the subject was brought 
forward anew and, as already mentioned, was referred to a 
committee which, in 1890, reported in favor of the re-adoption 
of a classification of the membership, on the ground that it 
would bring into closer relationships members pursuing the 
same branches of science, would afford better facilities for 
the discussion of special technical subjects, and would provide 
a number of groups of experts to whom subjects of inquiry could 
be referred by the Academy. As to the method of classification, 
the committee remarked as follows: 
“ As regards the method of classification, the task of fixing upon this is far more 
difficult now than it was when the National Academy was founded, nearly thirty 
years ago. In fact, it appears well nigh impossible to establish one so that it 
shall be both strictly scientific, according to present ideas, and at the same time 
practical. Your committee therefore propose a classification closely similar to 
that originally established, and believe that, however liable to technical criticism, 
it is essentially such as is least likely to meet with difficulties in its practical 
working.” °2 
This report was referred to the Council, and the subject 
continued under discussion for nine years longer before a new 
decision was reached. 
In April, 1892, the Academy adopted a resolution declaring 
that a reorganization into sections was desirable,” and in 
November of the same year a committee on amendments to 
the constitution reported in favor of the following classification 
of the membership: 
Mathematics, including Astronomy and Geodesy. 
Physics. 
Engineering, including Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Hydraulic, etc. 
Chemistry, including Applied Chemistry. 
Geology, including Mineralogy, Paleontology, etc. 
Biology. 
Anthropology, including Sociology, Economic Science, etc. 
STOVES DH 
“ Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci., vol. 1, p. 264. 
* Loc. cit., p. 338. 
© Loc. cit., p. 368. 
