National Sciciilific and luiiicatioiial IiislitittiiUis. 339 



Attached to the university iu Washington, and inider the direction of the Institu- 

 tion, might be the best position for the military academy, now at West Point; as 

 likewise for the naval academy and for the mint of the United States. The patent 

 ofllce is now an embarrassing appendage to the department of state. It might 

 occupy very usefully one of the professors of this universit}-. The machines and 

 models belonging to it would be useful ornaments in a lecture room, where mechanics, 

 hydraulics, and other branches of natural philosophy are taught. Such professor 

 might be the proper person to examine the applications for patents, and report upon 

 their merits; the chancellor might grant the patents. It might likewise be advan- 

 tageous, that the trustees, when the state of their funds will permit, should purchase 

 from their proprietors such inventions as, in their opinion, might be of innnediate and 

 general use ; and perhaps the chancellor might be authorized to refuse patents for 

 impracticable things, and expose to public view such imposters as sometimes apply 

 for them, with the intention of imposing upon the credulous, by selling their fallacious 

 privileges either iu whole or in part. 



The geographical and mineralogical archives of the nation might be better placed 

 in this university than elsewhere. Being confided to professors, they might draw 

 advantages from them in the course of their instructions. Thus the Institution might 

 become a general depositary of the results of scientific research ; of experiments in 

 art,' manufactures, and husbandry; and of discoveries by voyages and travels. In 

 short, no rudiment of knowledge should be below its attention, no height of 

 improvement above its ambition, no corner of our empire beyond its vigilant activity 

 for collecting and diffusing information. 



It is hoped that the legislature, as well as our opulent citizens, will assist in making 

 a liberal endowment for so great an object, and as soon as circumstances will admit; 

 as too much time has already been lost since the government has taken its definitive 

 stand, in so advantageous a position for the development of this part of our national 

 resources. 



Appendix. 



Such is the outline of a S5'stem of Public Instruction, that wotild seem to promise 

 the greatest benefits. And, although under present circmnstances, it is doubtless too 

 extensive to be carried into immediate practice in all its parts; yet there are strong 

 reasons to wish that its general basis may be preserved entire, in the law for incor- 

 porating the Institution; and that such law may be enacted during the present session 

 of Congress. Believing that no possible disadvantage could arise from adopting 

 both of the.se propositions, we will endeavor to elucidate the advantages by a few 

 additional observations. 



1. As we must solicit donations from individual citizens, and depend principally 

 on them for its endowment, we ought to have a basis on which they can repose their 

 confidence. This can only be done by a board of trustees, .standing on the ground 

 of a corporation; whose object is clearly defined; and which is composed of men of 

 known character and re.sponsibilitj', anxious themselves to promote the object, and 

 ])ledged in honor and reputation for its ultimate success. 



2. The present appears to be a more favorable moment for an establishment of this 

 kind, and especially for obtaining donations, than can be expected to arrive hereafter. 

 A general opinion now prevails, that education has been too much and too long neg- 

 lected in most parts of our country ; and this opinion is happily accompanied by a 

 liberal spirit on the subject; a spirit worthy of the age and country in which we live, 

 and of the government that conducts our affairs. It is a patriotic spirit, that only 

 requires to be directed; but if not directed, may soon be lost. The opinions and dis- 

 positions of men are changeable. The race of patriarchs who framed our political 

 systems, and are peculiarly solicitous to ensure their permanent support, are pas.sing 

 off the stage of public life. Children are growing up, to take the legacy we are 



