THE SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY 3 



meaning, as is clearly shown by the election of James Hadley 

 in 1864, G. P. Marsh in 1865, and later of Francis A. Walker 

 and Richmond Mayo-Smith. 



As regards engineers who were prominently recognized in 

 the early days of the Academy, the change of attitude that is 

 worthy of notice, is, briefly, this: While one who had accom- 

 plished some engineering feat was formerly regarded as worthy 

 of membership by virtue of that fact, now the view appears to 

 prevail there is no constitutional provision that only such 

 engineers as have advanced their subject by original contribu- 

 tions should be recognized. 



Finally, it is no longer held that the heads of scientific bureaus 

 or departments of the United States Government should neces- 

 sarily be made members of the Academy, no matter whether 

 they have been actively engaged in scientific research or not. 

 It is evident, therefore, that the field of choice has gradually 

 become narrower. 



What was perhaps regarded as the most important part of 

 the Act of Incorporation is contained in Section 3, and reads 

 as follows : 



" .... the Academy shall, whenever called upon by any Department of the 

 Government, investigate, examine, experiment and report upon any subject of 

 science or art, the actual expense of such investigations, examinations, experiments 

 and reports to be paid from appropriations which may be made for the purpose, 

 but the Academy shall receive no compensation whatever for any services to the 

 Government of the United States." 



This clause is still valid. The United States Government 

 may at any time call upon the Academy for investigations, 

 opinions, and advice on any subject of science or art, and this 

 without charge for services. 



In order the more clearly to understand the situation that 

 existed in 1863, we should bear in mind two facts: First, there 

 were at that time but few scientific bureaus forming parts of the 

 National Government; and, second, it was a time of war. 



Perhaps it would be better to state these facts in the other 

 possible order. Service to the Government was uppermost in 



