BARON VON HUMBOLDT. ^ 



investigation of organic and inorganic nature, still 

 the increasing ties and daily development of this 

 institution renders it necessary, besides the general 

 meeting \Yhich is destined for these halls, to have 

 specific meetings for single branches of science. 

 For it is only in such contracted circles, — it is only 

 among men whom reciprocity of studies has brought 

 together, that verbal discussions can take place : 

 without this sort of communication, would the vo- 

 luntary association of men in search of truth be 

 deprived of an inspiring principle. 



" Among the preparations which are made in 

 this city for the advancement of the Society, atten- 

 tion has been principally paid to the possibility of 

 such a subdivision into sections. The hope that 

 these preparations will meet \\4th your approbation, 

 imposes upon me the duty of reminding you, that, 

 although you had entrusted to two travellers, equally 

 the duty of making these arrangements, yet it is 

 to one alone, my excellent friend, M. Lichtenstetn, 

 that the merit of careful precaution and indefatigable 

 activity is due. Out of respect to the scientific 

 spirit w^iich animates the Society of German Natu- 

 ralists and Natural Philosophy, and in acknowledg- 

 ment of the utility of their efforts, Government have 

 seconded all our wishes with the greatest cheerful- 

 ness. 



" In the vicinity of the place of meeting, whicli 

 has in this manner been prepared for our general 

 and special labours, are situated the museums dedi- 

 cated to anatomy, zoology, oryctognosy, and ge- 



