402 PROCEEDINGS OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY. 



on the time and abilities of scientific men of the country as practically 

 to preclude their continuance of investigations to any considerable 

 extent. The reports, however, indicate an intention and expectation 

 of an early resumption of illdi^■idual research. 



The Committee desires to call attention to a marked improvement 

 in the execution of the engraved portion of the recently-presented 

 Rumford medals, which has been secured through the interest and 

 energy of the Treasurer of the Academy. For a long time past this 

 lettering has uniformly been done in plain scjuare Roman type, which 

 has abolished such occasional manifestations of the idiosyncrasies 

 of individual engravers as had occurred previously. Though the 

 work was entrusted to the best local skill available, nevertheless, the 

 results were not always beyond criticism. The plain lettering used 

 is probably harder to execute than script or ornamentation, and the 

 difficulty is frequently enhanced by the length of the inscription neces- 

 sary and often by the length of the individual words composing it as 

 well. Realizing these facts, the Treasurer took up the matter with 

 the authorities of the United States Mint at Philadelphia and secured 

 the active interest of the chief engraver, who has taken charge of the 

 engraving of the last two medals, employing the skill and improved 

 methods thus aAailable. As a result these are of a beauty far tran- 

 scending that of any earlier ones. A marked improvement in the 

 bronze replicas has also been made by a change in the character of 

 the metal employed. The labors of Mr. F^des in this direction are 

 warmly appreciated by the Committee. 



It is impossible to close this report without a reference to the great 

 loss recently sustained by the Committee directly, and indirectly by all 

 those who may hereafter desire aid from the Rumford Fund, through 

 the death of Professor Edward C. Pickering. The period through 

 which his membership has extended is entirely unprecedented. From 

 May, 1869, up to February last, his term of service was continuous 

 except for a brief gap, 1S90-1S92, during which time he was awarded 

 the Rumford Premium. Very rarely did he miss a meeting and never 

 did he fail to give full attention to any matter which was before the 

 Committee. His temperate judgment, totally unaffected by any other 

 than scientific considerations, and his clearness of apprehension of 

 the probable value of a pn)j)()sed investigation, were of high impor- 

 tance. He was especially appreciative of the needs of younger men 



