lvii 



There exists no reason save that which is to be found in the indifference 

 of our own citizens, why an Institution like this, created for the diffusion of 

 useful scientific knowledge among men, and located in the midst of a region 

 of unparalleled resources, and rich in the promise of future greatness be- 

 yond any example of the past, cannot be built up to an eminence equaling, 

 if not surpassing, that of any similar institution in Europe. It numbers al- 

 ready among its members men of science, whose contributions to its pub- 

 lished records have awakened profound attention, and elicited the most 

 respectful comments from foreign academies ; and whose talents and learn- 

 ing are acknowledged in the most enlightened circles of Christendom- 

 These gentlemen, and other members equally zealous, but less known per- 

 haps to fame, would, if encouraged, cheerfully devote much of their time 

 in communicating to the scientific world at large the results of their own 

 valuable experience and investigations ; and likewise aid in arranging and 

 collating the scientific data that would be promptly furnished in return by 

 men eminent in science in other parts of the world. In this manner, here 

 in our own midst, the results of scientific inquiry everywhere might be 

 continually unfolded, and its discoveries could be from time to time pre- 

 sented in simple and charming vesture to those whom it should be the 

 aim of all governments to improve and elevate; those who are daily toil- 

 ing in the development of the material interests of the nation, and who 

 constitute the nation's reliance in her hours of trial — the working classes. 

 of the country. It should be one of the chief purposes of government 

 to encourage, in every judicious manner, the dissemination of such scien- 

 tific facts among this, the largest portion of our population, as will give 

 them a general knowledge of the principles involved in the physical de- 

 velopment of the human race* the preservation of health; the nature of 

 disease; the peculiar qualities and composition of the natural elements 

 with which they are surrounded; and, in a word, to supply them with 

 whatever important truth science can impart of value in the preservation 

 of life, the promotion of happiness, and the attainment of the highest per- 

 fection in the various departments of human industry. 



Unless the immutable laws which regulate existence be understood, they 

 cannot be intelligently obeyed in the preservation of health, nor advan- 

 tageously applied in accomplishing the purposes of life. One of the grand 

 objects for which the human mind seems specially designed, is to com- 

 prehend the sublime phenomena with which it has been surrounded; 

 hence all wise governments should encourage such institutions as are 

 particularly designed to accomplish this evident purpose. 



The wonders that are presented by science for the contemplation of 

 men are frequently so startling as to be deemed by the mass of mankind 

 only the idle fancies of those who first bring them to our notice. Science, 

 however, only recognizes those theories as established truths, when every 

 one of the particular phenomena to which the theory is applicable can be 

 satisfactorily explained by it, and by no other. It is only by keen observa- 

 tion and thoughtful study of the phases of nature that Science advances- 

 The recorded knowledge of those who have gone before must be carefully 



