Krulcy.] Oo± [March 15, 



lamented predecessor, Dr. Wood, took a very deep in- 

 terest. It is well known that our Hall is not fire- 

 proof, and our valuable library and other property is 

 constantly exposed to great peril. At his request in 

 1866, a Building Fund was started, to which he liber- 

 ally contributed, and the increase of which he watched 

 with great care. It did not reach during his life to a 

 sufficient sum to procure a fire-proof edifice. By his 

 will he gave a legacy of $20,000 to aid the fund. 



The object that he had at heart is not yet accom- 

 plished. Let us follow his good example, and make a 

 new Hall, such as he desired, the enduring Monument 

 of this celebration. 



What has been the influence of our example in the 

 United States? We are the oldest scientific Society of 

 the New World, but our correspondence with kindred 

 institutions in our own country shows to what an ex- 

 tent science is now cultivated amonpf us. Some of 

 them are beginning to hold their centennial celebra- 

 tions, and others their semi-centennials. Our sister of 

 Boston, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 

 invites us to its Centennial in May next by a delega- 

 tion. This invitation we have cordially accepted, and 

 the reunion of Philadelphia and Boston will kindle glo- 

 rious recollections of our Revolutionary history. 



We may truly rejoice over the triumphs of the cen- 

 tury that closes with this day. 



The civilized world is blessed with universal Peace, 

 Science and the Arts are moving irresistibly onward, 

 Commerce spreads her sails in every sea and her cars 

 on every land, the art of Government is undergoing 

 manifold changes full of importance to the future of 

 the human race, and that Charity which is the greatest 



