Mis. No. 48. 21 



Preparation for lecturing. 



The plan of organization contemplates a series of free lectures, particu- 

 larly during the session of Congress. These will be commenced as soon 

 as the building is ready for the purpose. This part of the plan also cannot 

 be put into full operation until after the building is completed. A number 

 of gentlemen have consented to tavor us with their services. Men of 

 talents, however, cannot be expected to leave their homes and subject 

 themselves to the expense of visiting Washington, and to the trouble of 

 preparing for a course of lectures without a proper remuneration. It will 

 be necessary, therefore, that an aniuial appropriation be made for this pur- 

 pose. The amount, however, must necessarily be small until the building 

 is completed, or until all the interest of the fund can be devoted to the 

 primary objects of the Institution. Besides this, the lecture-room in the 

 east wing, now finished, will scarcely hold more than five hundred persons, 

 while the one in the main building is intended to accommodate twice 

 as many. 



Donation. 



Dr. Robert Hare, of Philadelphia, having resigned the chair of chemistry 

 in the University of Pennsylvania, which he had filled with honor to 

 himself and his country for nearly thirty years, has presented to the 

 Smithsonian Institution the instruments of research and illnstration, col- 

 lected and used by himself during his long and successful scientific career. 

 Many of these instruments are the invention of the donor, are connected 

 with his reputation, and belong to the history of the science of our day. 

 The gift is important, not only on account of its intrinsic value, but also as 

 establishing a precedent of liberality, which we trust will be frequently 

 observed by others, as well as being an expression of Dr. Hare's approba- 

 tion of the plan and confidence in the stability of the InsUtuUon A num- 

 ber ot" other donations have been received, of which a list, with the names 

 of the donors, will be given in the next report. 



In view of what has been stated in the foregomg report, the Secretary 

 trusts that the Board of Regents will be satisfied, if ever they had any 

 doubts on the subject, that the plan adopted is one well calculated to carry 

 out the benevolent intentions of the donor, of increasing and dittusing 

 knowledge among men; and that a satisfactory answer has been given to 

 the question frequently asked, namely, when is the Institution to begin.' 

 It will be seen that it has commenced the most important part oUts opera- 

 tions, and the results are now in progress of dissemination in every part ot 



the civilized world. , ^ , ,• .• .1 



For convenience of reference, I have appended for republication the pro- 

 gramme and" its explanations, given in my last annual report. 



Respocfullysubmrned, j^g^pj, jjeXRY, . 



Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. 



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