PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS. 139 



FINANCIAL STATUS OF THE INSTITUTION. 



The secretary gave a statement of the extent of the Smithsonian 

 fund, showing that it was far too small for present needs. He sug- 

 gested that the Regents bear this in mind, and if opportunitj r offered 

 while in conversation or correspondence with persons desirous of 

 making some disposition of their fortunes for the betterment of man- 

 kind to speak of the institution and its work, in the hope of inducing 

 such persons to make the institution their beneficiary. 



NATIONAL ACADEMY BUILDINU. 



The secretary spoke of the proposed new building for the National 

 Academy of Sciences, the funds for which had been provided by the 

 Carnegie Foundation on condition that the academy acquire a lot 

 upon which to erect the building, which has been done. 



It was suggested that probably the Carnegie Foundation might be 

 of aid in carrying out some of the projects of the institution, now 

 held in abeyance owing to lack of means. 



Dr. Bell asked the opportunity to express his high appreciation of 

 the importance of the work of Dr. Charles G. Abbot, assistant secre- 

 tary of the institution and director of the Astrophysical Observatory, 

 whose researches in solar radiation were of great value. 



ADJOURNMENT. 



There being no further business to come before the board, on mo- 

 tion the meeting adjourned. The Regents then viewed a number of 

 exhibits illustrating certain phases of the institution's work. 



