172 



In a former communication on the subject of aluminum, some re- 

 marks were made on the probability of its fitness for coinage, at a 

 future day. The accompanying specimen of coin, struck in that me- 

 tal, is exhibited as an illustration of that point. It is of the half dol- 

 lar size, a little too thick ; at the proper dimensions its weight would 

 be 52} grains, a little more than one-fourth the weight of the silver 

 half dollar. Its specific gravity is 2.8, being probably not quite free 

 from iron; and there being some enhancement of gravity by the 

 pressure in coinage. To show, however, that the metal is very firm 

 and close in its texture (as might not be supposed, on account of its 

 exceeding lightness), it may be mentioned, that the amonnt of com- 

 pression, by the blow of coinage, was not much greater than is ef- 

 fected upon a planchet of copper. 



The price of the metal is said already to have fallen from a gold 

 to a silver valuation, and to be manufactured to some extent at Rouen. 



The Society then proceeded to the election of a librarian, 

 and Mr. Trego was re-elected. 



The annual Standing Committees were appointed as follows: 



Finance ; Mr. Wagner, Mr. Justice, Mr. Fraley. 

 Hall; Mr. Peale, Mr. Fraley, Mr. Trego. 

 Library ; Dr. Hays, Mr. Ord, Rev. Dr. Stevens. 

 Publication ; Mr. Trego, Dr. Ehvyn. Prof. Frazer. 



The list of surviving members of the Society was read: — 

 the number on the first of January, 1856, was 378, — of whom 

 are resident in the United States 273, and in foreign countries 

 105. 



The Society next proceeded to ballot for candidates for 

 membership. 



On motion, permission was granted to Mrs. Coolidge, the 

 grand-daughter of Thomas Jefferson, or to Mr. Henry S. Ran- 

 dall, to have a copy taken by daguerreotype, or otherwise, of 

 the Society's portrait of Mr. Jefferson, subject to the usual 

 guaranty, for the safe return of the original to the Hall of the 

 Society. 



All other business having been concluded, the ballot-boxes 

 were opened by the presiding officer, and the following named 



