Nafioiial Scientific a)u{ Educational hislitutioiis. 337 



the property of one age or nation, but the general heritage of all. When a fund 

 like this is administered by men of discernment and fidelity, worthy of their trust, 

 as the one in question certainly is, lending its aid to all proper objects, without 

 regard to party or system, whether in politics, science, or religion, it gives inde- 

 I)endence to literary pursuits. Men who are fostered by it, or feel a confidence that 

 they may, in case of need, partake of its munificence, become bold in the develop- 

 ment of useful truths; they are not discouraged by the dread of opposing the 

 t)pinioiis of vulgar minds, whether among members of the government, or powerful 

 individuals. 



This generous and energetic establishment owes it foundation to David Williams; 

 whose luminous writings, as well as other labors, in favor of liberty and morals, are 

 well known in this country. It was a new attempt to utilize the gifts of fortune, and 

 the eflforts of timid merit. It was not till after many years of exertion by its patri- 

 otic founder, that the institution assumed a vigorous existence, became rich by the 

 donations of the opident, and jiopular from the patronage of the first names in the 

 kingdom. It was from this fund that the one of a similar nature in Paris was copied; 

 but the latter is hitherto far inferior to the former, both in its endowments and its 

 activity. 



On the other hand, the Royal Institution and the London Institution have been 

 copied from the Lyceum in Paris. But in these instances the copies have already 

 equaled, if not surpassed, the original. 



We have traced this rapid sketch of what is doing for the advancement of liberal 

 knowledge and public improvements in other countries, for the sake of grouping the 

 whole in one general view; that we may compare their establishments with our situ- 

 ation, our wants, our means, and our prospects; reject what is unsuitable to us, adopt 

 such as would be \iseful, and organize them as shall be advantageous in our National 

 Institution. 



It is proposed, as already observed, that this Institution should combine the two 

 great objects, researcti and instruction. It is expected from every member that he 

 will employ his talents gratuitouslj' in contributing to Wxo: first of these objects. The 

 second will be the special occupation of a branch of the In.stitution, to be styled the 

 Professorate. And, as it is expected from the members of this branch, that they 

 devote their time as well as talents to the labor of instruction, they will receive a 

 suitable compensation, to be fixed by the board of trustees. 



The members of the National In.stitution .shall be elected from citizens of the 

 United vStates, eminent in any of the liberal sciences, whether physical, moral, politi- 

 cal, or economical ; in literature, arts, agriculture; in mechanical, nautical, or geo- 

 graphical discoveries. The number of members shall at no time exceed the decuple 

 of the number of states, composing the confederation of the United States. Rut in 

 addition to these, it may elect honorary members abroad, not exceeding in number 

 one-half of that of its members. And it may likewi.se elect corresponding members 

 within the United States, or elsewhere, not exceeding the last -mentioned proportion. 



The members of the Institution may divide them.selves into .several sections, for 

 their more convenient deliberations on the objects of their several pursuits, not 

 exceeding five sections. ICacli .section .shall keep a register of its proceedings. It 

 shall be the duty of each section to nominate candidate.'} for members of the In.sti- 

 tution, suitable for such section. Which nomination, if there be vacancies, shall 

 entitle such candidates to be balloted for at the general meetings. 



There shall be a Chancellor of the National In.stitution; whose duty it shall be to 

 superintend its general concerns. He shall, in the fir.st instance, be appointed by 

 the President of the United States; and hold his ofiice during the pleasure of the 

 Institution. He shall pre.side in its general meetings; direct the order of its deliber- 

 ations, and sign the diplomas of its members. He shall be president of the board 

 of trustees; and, in consequence of their appropriations, order the payment of 

 NAT MUS 97, PT 2 22 



