OF ARTS AND SCIENCES. 193 



which, as it proposes to aid individuals in the prosecution of important 

 researches, may often do so most effectually by the loan of the in- 

 struments required for a particular investigation. They will also 

 be needed, especially at Washington, for carrying out, under the 

 most advantageous circumstances, the various experimental inves- 

 tigations in physics already pursued by the Secretary, with such credit 

 to himself, and such honor to the scientific character of the country. 



" The Smithsonian Institution is also to be intrusted with the con- 

 servation of a national museum ; Congress having, by a clause in the 

 act of incorporation, devolved upon it the charge of the immense 

 collections belonging to the public, of which those brought home by 

 Captain Wilkes from the Exploring Expedition form the greater por- 

 tion, but which are daily increasing from many sources. These col- 

 lections, when a proper and convenient place shall have been prepared 

 for their reception and preservation, are likely to accumulate with still 

 greater rapidity in time to come. 



" While there is an obvious propriety and convenience in thus 

 intrusting the care of the public collections to the officers of the 

 Smithsonian Institution, it will not, the committee trust, be forgotten by 

 Congress, that the income of the Smithsonian bequest — moderate at 

 best, and consecrated to an object distinct as it is elevated — ought 

 not to be burdened with the cost of constructing an edifice for the re- 

 ception and exhibition of the public collections, and their preservation 

 and care. These objects would alone absorb a considerable portion 

 of the fund. If drawn upon to carry them into effect, its efficiency 

 for any other purpose will be seriously diminished, if not altogether 

 destroyed. 



" The plan also contemplates a museum of the fine arts, as well as 

 a scientific apparatus; it proposes to procure ' casts of the most cele- 

 brated articles of ancient and modern sculpture,' and ' models of 

 antiquities.' While it is undoubtedly true, that a gallery of this 

 description would find an appropriate place in an establishment de- 

 voted to the increase and diff'usion of knowledge in its broadest sense, 

 the committee cannot but hope that the immediate execution of this 

 part of the plan will not be attempted ; but that it will be deferred till 

 other objects of more decided utility have been provided for, and until 

 a surplus of unappropriated funds shall have accrued. 



" The Academy will perceive that the most novel and important 

 feature of this plan is that which proposes to insure the publication of 



2.5 



