OF ARTS AND SCIENCES: MARCH 12, 1867. 249 



important facts in astronomy, and the laws of light and vision, branches 

 wonderfully calculated to arrest and occupy the attention, in certain 

 stages of mental development, especially when faith in the universality 

 of God's providence goes with them. 



The respect and companionship, in a degree I never could have an- 

 ticipated, of those who dwell by the fountains of knowledge, have 

 cheered me ; men whose virtues and accomplishments I can never 

 think to emulate, and whose envy, if they had any, could not descend 

 upon me. 



Mr. President, I have said nothing of methods. "When first ques- 

 tioned by the Rumford Committee as to what was original in my mode 

 of working, I proposed that they should visit my shop, where I could 

 show and explain to them the course pursued, and they might judge 

 for themselves of the value or originality of any part of it. They have 

 done so ; and I accept their decision, trusting the egotism displayed in 

 this little history of achievements may be excused. 



You will not fail to perceive, that, after so many years of hopeful, 

 cheerful, and patient toil, mingled with no ordinary share of painstak- 

 ing, a high appreciation on the part of the recipient must follow this 

 award, as naturally as light comes with the rising of the sun. 



Five hundred and eightieth Meeting. 



March 12, 1867. — Adjourned Statute Meeting. 



The President in the chair. 



The President called the attention of the Academy to the 

 necessity of some action for the accommodation of the Academy, 

 and proposed that a committee be appointed to consider this 

 subject. 



On the motion of Professor Rogers, it was voted, that a 

 committee of three be appointed, and on the nomination of 

 the President, Colonel Lyman, Mr. C. M. Warren, and Pro- 

 fessor C. W. Eliot were chosen. 



On the motion of Dr. Clark, this committee were instruct- 

 ed to inquire concerning the co-operation of other societies 

 in providing a building for their common accommodation. 



The following paper was presented. 



VOL. VII. 32 



