Ixxiv 



Following step by step the sequences of cosmical phenomena, science 

 leads the human mind continually to the confines of that profound void 

 within which rests the apparently insoluble problems of creation. The 

 spectroscope, surpassing the romantic marvels of the lamp of Aladdin, 

 illuminates her pathway within this mysterious region, and. guided by its 

 wonderful revelations, she leads us onward in search of the priceless 

 truths so coveted by adventuring human wisdom. 



Amidst prismatic hues she traces out the mysterious language of the 

 spheres, and points us not unhopefully to those yet unsolved enigmas 

 which seemingly transcend all reach of human intellect. Can she explore 

 the dim "recess of wisdom and of wit," and tell us of the secret and ma- 

 terial springs from whence immortal thought is born ? Can she unravel 

 the miracle of life, or penetrate the profound silence which infolds the 

 genesis of force and matter? Who that is enrolled in membership of our 

 infant Institution shall win for himself eternal fame, by pointing the way 

 through one of these unexplored and awful mysteries? 



Dr. J. B. Johnson announced that he had recently learned, in 

 conversation with a gentleman, that the latter had it in his mind 

 to give a lot of ground to the Historical Society, knowing that it 

 was necessary that the Society should have a place for their 

 papers, documents and other valuable contributions that might 

 be made to them. He had asked him if he would have any ob- 

 jection to allowing the Academy to assist the Historical Society 

 in putting up the building, and he said he would be very glad to 

 give a lot of 50 by 109 feet deep in the central part of the city, 

 providing the Historical Society and the Academy of Science 

 would erect a building upon it. Dr. Johnson added that it was- 

 likely that a gift of twelve or fifteen thousand dollars might be 

 bestowed upon the Academy, and suggested the appointment of 

 a committee with authority to act upon the subject. 



On motion, Dr. J. B. Johnson was appointed such committee. 



The Corresponding Secretary reported that he had deposited 

 the exchanges received in the Library. 



Prof. Hager read a paper on " Petroleum, its History, Geologi- 

 cal Position and Probable Origin." Referred to the Committee 

 on Publication. 



