XIV JOURNAL OF THE BOARD. 



The medal not for any patented invention, like tlie electric light, for 

 example, but especially and only for such discoveries as Pasteur on in- 

 fection, fermentation, &c., and G. Darwin's on tidal action. Eegents 

 to be sole judges as to what is meant by physical science and most im- 

 portant discoveries therein. 



The reason why I w^ould like to have not only suggestions and ex- 

 planations but the full "I will and bequest to" is also because I don't 

 know whether to say the Eegents shall dp this or that, or whether to 

 say a majority or quorum of them shall do it in order to make it both 

 strictly legal and also practicable; also, whether or not it is necessary 

 to say how the Eegents shall invest the money. I supimse a copy of 

 that ipart of Hamilton's or Huebus' (Habel?) will would answer for the 

 ])art relating to the "increase and diffusion," &c. As for the medal I 

 believe no fund has been left to institutions for that purpose, and I 

 should like to have your opinion on it. 



Please return this letter with your answer, which I would like you to 

 let me have as soon as you can; taking, however, all the time you need 

 to make it so full and explicit that no further correspondence will be 

 necessary at this stage. 1 mean business if your answer is satisfactory. 

 For the i)resent I desire this affair to be treated as confidential, or if 

 necessary to mention to other parties, withhold the name. 



There is one thing I had rather do than make a bequest in favor of 

 the Institution, iiamely, pay over a certain sum, say $2,000 or $2,500, 

 in trust to the Kegents; provided I could receive the income during 

 life, the Institution to have the sole use and possession of the same 

 after my death. Would the Institution be authorized to accept a sum 

 of money on such terms"? 

 EespectfuDy, 



After full discussion of the subject it was, on motion of Mr. Edmunds — 



Rcsohed, Tliat the commuriicatiou be referred to the Executive Com- 

 mittee with full power to act in relation to it. 



The Secretary, Professor Baird, presented his annual report of the 

 operations of the Institution for the year 1884, which w'as read in part. 



On motion of Dr. Maclean, the Secretary was instructed to transmit 

 the report to Congress. 



On motion of Mr. Edmunds, it was — 



Resolved (1), That the fiscal year of the Institution shall hereafter ter- 

 minate on the 30th day of June in each year. 



(2) That the Secretary shall hereafter prepare and cause to be printed 

 and sent to each member of the Board on or before the first day of De- 

 cember in each year, his annual report. 



(3) That the annual meeting of the Board of Eegents shall hereafter 

 be held on the second Wednesday in January in each year. 



The Board then adjourned sine die. 



