Gentlemen of the Academy of Science : 



Another year has been scored on the records of your youthful institution 

 and in contemplating the results achieved in this brief period, you have 

 much cause for congratulation and encouragement. 



The contributions to science made by several of your members during 

 the past twelve months, in different departments of investigation, have 

 been characterized by so much novelty, have shown such comprehensive 

 and careful observation, and in most instances have been presented to the 

 scientific world with such simplicity of language and originality of thought, 

 that increased attention on the part of kindred societies throughout Ameri- 

 ca and Europe has been directed towards this prolific field of inquiry, and 

 the most respectful consideration is accorded to the facts announced. The 

 reports made from time to time by your efficient Corresponding Secretary 

 give flattering assurances of a lively interest in your observations, and a 

 cordial desire for your success on the part of older societies and savants 

 abroad. 



Your financial condition is also very encouraging. You are clear of 

 all debt; your revenue is constantly swelling, and you have a moderate 

 surplus on hand. 



The remarkable increase in the number of new members has given 

 substantial evidence that an earnest spirit of scientific inquiry has been 

 developed among our own citizens, to an extent never before witnessed. 

 The long roll of names of intelligent gentlemen, now numbered as mem- 

 bers of the Academy, assures me that its darkest hours have passed by, 

 and 1 see the warm tintings which mark the dawning of a glorious day, at 

 length, brightening its future. 



Already one generous patron (Mr. James H. Lucas), doubly blest with 

 the wisdom to appreciate and the wealth to advance your high purpose, 

 has stepped forth unsolicited, and with princely munificence donated a 

 valuable lot of ground centrally located, on which to erect a building for 

 the safe-keeping of your records, library and museum; and in which 

 scientific truths and phenomena may be hereafter explained to our 

 citizens. 



Other liberal and intelligent friends of education stand ready to con- 

 tribute of their abundance in aid of the erection of this temple of science, 

 the intrinsic value of which to this city cannot be overestimated. 



No one can compute the benefit which would result to this community 

 from the annual delivery of a comprehensive course of lectures in our 

 midst upon the physical and natural sciences, demonstrated with such 

 necessary apparatus, illustrations and specimens as it is the intention of 

 this Academy to po-sess. One lecture on electricity or light, on zoology 

 or botany, or upon any of the great departments of science, when given 

 by one thoroughly informed upon the subject, and demonstrated with the 

 necessary means, will oftentimes convey to the student a clearer compre- 

 hension of it than he could acquire by the study of a whole volume written 

 upon the same topic. Frequently an error which has trammelled the 



