REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 11 



exact knowledge in regard to the nature and properties of atmospheric; 

 air in connection with the welfare of man." 



With the intent of furthering the donor's wishes, the Smithsonian 

 Institution now announces the following prizes, to be awarded on or 

 after July 1, 1S!>4. should satisfactory papers be offered in competition: 



(1) A prize of $10,000 for a treatise embodying some new and im- 

 portant discovery in regard to the nature or properties of atmospheric 

 air. These properties may be considered in their bearing upon any or 

 all of the sciences, e. g., not only in regard to meteorology, but in con- 

 nection with hygiene, or wi;h any department whatever of biological 

 or physical knowledge. 



(2) A prize of $2,000 for the most satisfactory essay upon (a) the 

 known properties of atmospheric air, considered in their relationships 

 to research in every department of natural science, and the importance 

 of a study of the atmosphere, considered in view of these relationships; 

 (b) the proper direction of future research, in connection with the im- 

 perfections of our knowledge of atmospheric air, and of the connections 

 of that knowledge with other sciences. 



The essay, as a whole, should tend to indicate the path best calcu- 

 lated to lead to worthy results iu connection with the future adminis- 

 tration of the Hodgkins foundation. 



(3) A jnize of $1,000 for the best popular treatise upon atmospheric 

 air, its properties and relationships (including those to hygiene, phys- 

 ical and mental). This essay need not exceed 20,000 words in length; 

 it should be written in simple language, and be suitable for publication 

 for popular instruction. 



(4) A medal will be established, under the name of The Hodgkins 

 Medal of the Smithsonian Institution, which will be awarded annually 

 or biennially, for important contributions to our knowledge of the na- 

 ture and properties of atmospheric air, or for practical applications of 

 our existing knowledge of them to the welfare of mankind. This medal 

 will be of gold, and will be accompanied by a duplicate impression in 

 silver or bronze. 



The treatises may be written in English, French, German, or Italian, 

 and should be sent to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. 

 Washington, before -Inly 1, 1894. except those in competition for the 

 first prize, the sending of which may be delayed until December 31, 1894. 



The papers will be examined and prizes awarded by a committee to 

 be appointed as follows: One member by the Secretary of the Smith- 

 sonian Institution; one member by the president of the National Acad- 

 emy of Sciences; one by the president pro tempore of the American 

 Association for the Advancement of Science; and the committee will 

 act together with the secretary of the Smithsonian Institution as mem- 

 ber ex officio. The light is reserved to award no prize if, in the judg- 

 ment of the committee, no contribution is offered of sufficient merit to 

 warrant an award. An advisory committee of not more than three 

 European men of science may be added at the discretion of the com- 

 mittee of award. 



If no disposition be made of the first prize at the time now announced 

 the Institution may continue it until a later date, should it be made 

 evident that important investigations relative to its object are in prog- 

 ress, the results of which it is intended to offer in competition for the 

 prize. The Smithsonian Institution reserves the right to limit or modify 

 the conditions for this prize after December 1, 1894, should it be found 

 necessary. Should any of the minor prizes not be awarded to papers 

 sent in before July 1, 1894, the said prizes will be withdrawn from 

 competition. 



