S. Mis. 53. 31 



expensive organization was adopted, of referring all seientific questions 

 of importance, as well as objects of natural history, for investigation 

 to persons of reputation and learning in diflerent parts of the United 

 States, and perhaps, in some cases, in foreign countries. By the 

 operation of this plan, which has been found eminently practicable, 

 tlie collections, as well as the libraries of the whole country, are ren- 

 dered subservient to the use of the Institution. 



There can be but little doubt that, in due time, ample provision will 

 be made for a library and museum at the capital of this Union worthy 

 of a government whose perpetuity depends upon the vulue and intelli- 

 gence of the people. It is, therefore, unwise to hamper the more im- 

 portant objects ol" this Institution, by attempting to anticipate results 

 which will be eventually produced without the expenditure of its 

 means. 



The prominent idea embraced in the Smithsonian organization, is 

 that of cooperation and concerted action with all institutions and indi- 

 viduals engaged in the promotion of knowledge. Its design is not to 

 monopobze any part of the wide fields of n;iture or of art, but to invite 

 all to partake in the pleasure and honor of their cultivation. It seeks 

 not to encroach upon ground occupied by other institutions, but to ex- 

 pend the funds in doing that which cannot be as well done by other 

 means. It gives to the words of Smithson their most liberal inter- 

 pretation, and " increases and diffuses hioivledge among men " by pro- 

 moting the discovery of new truths, and by disseminating these in 

 every part of the civilized world. 



RespcctluUy submitted, 



JOSEPH HENRY, 

 Secretanj Smithsonian Institution. 



