PREFACE. 



The publication of a handbook of learned societies was one of the pro- 

 jects recommended to the Carnegie Institution by its Advisory Committee on 

 Bibliography (sec Yearbook, no. I, 1902, p. 182-184). This was approved 

 by the Trustees, and grants were made for the purpose, the expenditure and 

 supervision being entrusted to the Librarian of Congress. After consultation 

 with the authorities of the Carnegie Institution the organization of the work 

 was placed in charge of Mr. J. David Thompson of the Library Staff, who 

 has personally edited this volume and seen it through the press, the material 

 having been compiled under his direction by Mrs. Lucy C. Daniels Thompson, 

 assisted by Miss Mary F. Griffin. 



The present volume, devoted to America, was completed for publication 

 first, because printed information for this region is less available. Pending 

 decision as to further publication, the remaining material relating to societies 

 and institutions in the Old World will, for the present, be kept on file avail- 

 able for consultation at the Library of Congress. 



HERBERT PUTNAM, 



Librarian of Congress. 

 Washington, D. C., May 25, 1908. 



IV 



