6 COLUMBIAN INSTITUTE FOR THE 



Beginning in 1825, weekly sittings were arranged during the ses- 

 sions of Congress for the reading of scientific and literary produc- 

 tions, but this was continued for only a short period. During the 

 last few years the number rapidly declined. There was only one 

 in 1837, the minutes of which indicate no unusual action, but it 

 proved to be the last, and the Institute virtually dissolved without 

 formality the year before the termination of its charter. 



The records show only 85 communications by 26 persons presented 

 during the entire life of the society, over one-half of which related 

 to astronomy and mathematics. Besides other technical papers of 

 more or less interest, and some of a popular character, there were 

 also six largely attended public meetings devoted to anniversary 

 addresses and memorials. The lack of funds prevented the publica- 

 tion of transactions, as had been contemplated, which would hove 

 gone far toward perpetuating the name of the society, the only 

 matters printed being the public addresses, a paper on currency by 

 Thomas Law, the proceedings for organization, the constitution and 

 constitutional ordinance, standing rules, and a circular on collecting 

 and preserving specimens. 



While perhaps about 150 persons qualified for resident or active 

 membership, though the records are not clear on this point, not over 

 one-half that number were ever in good standing at any time, the 

 proportion being generally smaller and the total number becoming 

 greatly reduced during the final years. The number elected to cor- 

 responding membership was 122, and to honorary membership, 7. 

 The resident membership was representative of the best element in 

 Washington, while the corresponding and honorary memberships 

 included some of the best known men in science, literature and the 

 arts both in this country and abroad. The brunt of the society's 

 work had naturally to be borne by the resident members, among 

 whom there were very few who specialized in either science or the 

 arts. As stated by Secretary Dickins, it was an organization of 

 gentlemen, who were for the most part occupied in laborious official 

 or professional duties. While, therefore, the local membership en- 

 gaged with much zeal, during the first 10 or 12 years, in promoting 

 the interests of the Institute, it consisted mainly of amateurs in 

 respect to the subjects with which the society was concerned. With 

 the necessary funds, experts could have been employed, but lacking 

 these means, the records show scarcely any accomplishments in the 

 direction of the higher purposes for which the society was founded. 



However unfortunate in the realization of its ambitions, the Co- 

 lumbian Institute nevertheless occupied an enviable position among 

 the earlier associations of this country for the breadth and impor- 

 tance of its objects, even if they be regarded only in the nature of 

 suggestions, which have since been so fully recognized in the or- 



