ADVERTISEMENT. 



Tliis volume t'orins tlic tweiity-ci^litli of a stu'ies, composed of original 

 nienioirs on dirt'erciit l)niiielics of knowledge, pul)lislied ;it the expense and 

 under tlic direction of the Smithsonian Institution. The publication of this 

 series forms part of a general plan adopted for carr'V'ing into effect the beneAolent 

 intentions of Jame.s Smithson, Escj., of England. This gentleman left his ])rop- 

 erty in trust to the United States of America, to found, at Washington, an 

 institution which should bear liis own name and have for its objects the '^increase 

 and diffusioti of knowledge among men." This trust was accepted by the Gov- 

 ei'mnent of the United States, and an act of Congress was passed August 10, 

 1846, coustituting the President and the other principal executive officers of the 

 General Government, the C'hief Justice of tlie Supreme Court, the Mayijr of 

 Washington* (and such other persons as tliey might elect honorarv members), 

 an establishment under the name of the " SjirrHsoNUN Institution- for the 

 IkcRE-ASE AND Diffusion of KxowuEixiE amoxc; Men." The members and hon- 

 orary members of this e.stablishment are to hold stated and special meetings for 

 the supervision of the affairs of the Institution and for tiie advice and in.struction 

 of a Board of Regents, to whom the financial and otiier atiairs are intrusted. 



The Board of Regents consists of two memhers rx oj/ieio of tJie establish- 

 ment, namely, the Vice-President of the United States, and the Chief Justice of 

 the Supreme Court, together with twelve other members, three of whom are 

 appointed by the Senate from its (iwn bod\-, three li\- the House of Kejn'esenta- 

 tives from its mendjers, and six persons appointed b\' a joint resolution of both 

 Houses. To tliis lioard is given tlie powei- of electing- a Secretary and other 

 officers for conducting the active oi)erations of tlie Institution. 



To carry into effect the purposes of the testator the plan of organization 

 shoidd evidently embrace two objects: one, the increase of knowledge b\- the 

 addition of new truths to the existing stock; the other, the diffusion of knowl- 

 edge, thus increased, among men. No restriction is made in favor of any kind 

 of knowledge; and hence each ]>ranch is entitled to, and should receive, a 

 share of attention. 



This office lius been iibolished. 



