VIII PREFACE. 



For convenient reference the resolutions relative to the election 

 of Regents and the printing of the annual reports are given. It 

 has also been thought proper to insert the debates in regard 

 to appropriations for the preservation of the collections of the 

 Government placed in charge of the Smithsonian Institution. 



Copious extracts are made from the diary of Hon. John Quincy 

 Adams, which give the private history of the motives of action by 

 committees, members of Congress, and public men, in regard to the 

 early legislation respecting the bequest. 



The proceedings in Congress present a great many plans and 

 schemes proposed for the disposition of the bequest, and seem to 

 embrace almost every possible suggestion, but as complete a col- 

 lection as possible has also been made of the views of literary 

 and scientific men not directly presented to Congress. These 

 papers, while of unequal merit, have a value as illustrations of the 

 thought of the time, and show not only how much attention was 

 paid to securing a wise disposition of the Smithson fund, but to the 

 wider subject of the general promotion of knowledge. 



Following the programme of organization proposed by Professor 

 Henry and adopted by the Board of Regents, are the opinions ex- 

 pressed by more than fifty of the most eminent literary and 

 scientific men of the day. 



This plan has stood the test of experience of more than thirty 

 years and been found admirably adapted to the purpose intended ; 

 it has triumphed over all opposition, and is now universally re- 

 garded as wise, comprehensive, and satisfactory. 



The Smithsonian is not a Government Institution, as is often 

 supposed, but is a private foundation, originating entirely in 

 the bequest of an individual. The management of the establish- 

 ment, however, is entrusted to the Congress of the United States, 

 and hence it is in more or less communication with that body. 

 Even the printing of its annual reports occasions discussion, and 

 a larger or smaller number of copies are ordered according to 

 the varying mood or liberality of the legislators. As the national 

 collections in natural history have been placed in charge of 



