Announcements. 277 



that of any state, even though we have no direct resources in 

 gold, silver and copper. The substitution of stone, brick and 

 cement for wood is bound to become general, and no country 

 is better supplied than Kansas with the raw material for 

 these products. Our museum will call attention to and tend 

 to develop this mineral wealth. 



THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE. 



The third object to be aimed at by the Academy of Science 

 should be, as stated in the original draft of the constitution, 

 "to increase and diffuse a knowledge of the natural sciences." 



This may be done by encouraging scientific investigation, 

 and by making our Transactions the organ through which to 

 publish to the world of science the contributions of our mem- 

 bers. At an earlier day it was the custom to have commis- 

 sions appointed for the investigation of special problems, and 

 grants were made from the society's funds to aid in this work. 

 There is at present in our treasury a small sum that could 

 be used for such purposes, and the regular dues of members 

 will continue to supply such resources, to say nothing of be- 

 quests for the advancement of science that may be entrusted 

 to the Academy. The various universities and colleges are 

 developing rapidly, and each, in its own way, is a center of 

 scientific activity ; but the Academy should be the place where 

 scientific workers can meet on a common ground and gain the 

 inspiration that comes from numbers and fellowship. We are 

 at present able to publish annual volumes, but may expect 

 to replace these annual volumes by quarterly bulletins, and 

 perhaps have more frequent meetings. 



So the Academy may become the common publishing bureau 

 for all the schools of the state, as well as for individual scien- 

 tists, and each will thus gain the encouragement that comes 

 from approval and friendly criticism. 



J. T. LOVEWELL, Secretary. 



