[ 23 ] 140 



distinguished nobleman, gave his life exclusively to intellectual pursuits, 

 and espe^'ially to researches in physical and experimental science. Sup- 

 plied with larger means than his v/ants required, and steadily practising 

 a strict scheme of personal economy, he amassed considerable fortune. He 

 died at Genoa in 1829, and, by his will, bequeathed his accunnilated 

 property to this Union — a country that, notwithstanding his frequent 

 change of abode, he had never visited, whose citizens he had never as- 

 sociated with, but in whose inevitable future he saw the most solid ground 

 on which to cast the anchor of his fame. This legacy, for some time the 

 subject of litigation in the British Court of Chancery, was finally secured, 

 brought over, and received into the treasury of the United States on the 

 Istot September, 1838. Its exact amount, when deposited, was five hun- 

 dred and fifteen thousand one hundred and sixty-nine dollars. 



"The legacy was accompanied Dy a declaration of its design; and the 

 execution of that design has been assumed, as well by an acceptance of 

 the mor^ey, as by several open and ftrmal avowals by our government. 

 It was to '-found an inMitulioti at Was km a ton for the increase and diffu- 

 sion, of knovhdse anionor wen ;' to found, not an academy, not a college, 

 not a university, but something less technical and precise, something 

 whose import and circuit should be bolder and more comprehensive ; an 

 institution not merely fir disseminating, spreading, teaching knowledge, 

 but also, and foremost, for creating, originating, increasing it. Whereat? 

 In a city whose name recalls the wisest, purest, and noblest spirit 

 of the freest, newest, and broadest land. And amon^ whom ? Not a 

 chosen or designated class — not the followers of a particular sage or sect — 

 not the favorites of fortune, nor the lifted of rank ; but among men — men 

 of every condition, of every school, of every faith, of every nativity. 

 Men! It was with a purpose thus elevated and expansive, thus as well 

 distinct as undiscritninating, that James Sniithson committed his Vv'^ealth 

 to the guardianship of the American republic. Whatever may be the 

 difference of opinion as to the comparative merits of the many modes of 

 practically realizing this purpose, it is quite certain that the good faith 

 and best exertions of our country are solemnly pledged to its fulfilment. 

 We must try it — try it sincerely, ind' fatigably, trnstworthily — try it 

 through all the diversified and promising channels — try it with no narrow 

 exclusiveness of choice or prejudice as to systems, sciences, or arts Tiie 

 intention of the benefa''.tor was to make his endowment a perennial foun- 

 tain of wisdom, as well practical as theoretic or imaginative, whose living 

 waters should be unceasingly distributed to advance the intelligence, 

 comfort, and happiness of hiuuan beings. 



" When, at no distant day, I trust, it shall be seen that within the walls 

 of this building the trutlis of nature are forced by perseverina: researches 

 from their hidden recesses, mingled with the stock already hoarded by 

 genius and industry, and thence profusely scattered, by gratuitous lectures 

 or publications, for the benefit of all ; when it shall be seen, that here 

 universal science finds food, implements, and a tribune — art her spring to 

 invention, her studio, and her models ; and both shall have throngs of 

 disciples from the ranksof our people, emulous for enlightenment or eager 

 to assist — then the condition of our legacy will have been performed, and 

 the wide philanthrophy of Smithson have achieved its aim! 



" As a beginning to the plan hx ellecting a result so interesting, Con- 

 gress have deemed and declared the erection of a large and commodious 



