298 PEOCEEDINGS OP THE AMERICAN ACADEMY 



This distinguished Society takes its date from the moment when the 

 people of Massachusetts first exercised the right of forming a govern- 

 ment for themselves, and simultaneously recognized the obligation to 

 encourage all undertakings for the promotion of science, literature, and 

 the arts. The first proof of their fidelity to the pledge was the sanc- 

 tion given to this organization. Since that time, nearly a century has 

 passed away, and many of those most eminent for their proficiency in 

 science and learning in this Commonwealth have been counted among 

 its members. Of these, I cannot overlook the honored portion which 

 has preceded me in the occupation of this chair. 



For myself, I can only congratulate you upon the flourishing state 

 in which the Academy now has been transmitted from the hands of 

 my predecessor, and promise for myself only an earnest desire that my 

 relation to it may not be esteemed at its close as wholly unworthy of 

 the brio-ht record which has been made heretofore. 



The Treasurer presented his report, which was accepted. 



The report of the Rumford Committee was read and ac- 

 cepted. In accordance with its suggestion, it was voted to 

 appropriate : — 



$600, to complete Vol. II. of Rumford's works. 



$2,000, to publish Vol. III. of Rumford's works. 



$500 for the Rumford Medal awarded to IMr. Rutlierfurd. 



Professor Joseph Lovering presented the report of the 

 Committee of Publication ; and, in accordance with its sug- 

 gestion, it was voted to appropriate $800 for the publications 

 of the Academy. 



The President called attention to the loss the Academy had 

 sustained in the death of Christopher Hansteen and M. Ver- 

 neuil. Foreign Honorary Members, and of John L. Russell, 

 Resident Fellow, of the Academy. 



The Librarian presented his report, which was accepted. 



It was voted to appropriate : — 



For General Expenses $2,100 



For Library 500 



For Binding 200 



The Recording Secretary exhibited a new form of pola- 

 rimeter. Remarks on this subject were made by Professor 

 J. P. Cooke. 



