964 LETTERS ON PROGRAMME OF ORGANIZATION. 



not to enact unnecessary limitations which might prove em- 

 barrassing. 



As Mr. Smithson's object was all men — not merely 

 Americans or Englishmen — it is desirable that every lati- 

 tude should be allowed for co-operation with all cultivators 

 of knowledge. 



I have had no opportunity to consult the Connecticut 

 Academy, but will lay the subject before them towards the 

 close of the month. I have the coinciding opinions of Mr. 

 Dana and my son with the above. 



From the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. 



Boston, December 8, 1847. 

 Dear Sir : I am directed by the Academy to communi- 

 cate to you the accompanying report, made on the subject 

 of your programme, laid before the Academy, with your 

 note of the 30th September, and to express the great inter- 

 est which the Society feels in the important subject to which 

 it relates. 



Asa Gray, 

 Corresponding Secretary. 



The committee to whom was referred the " Programme for the Organiza- 

 tion of the Smithsonian Institution," submitted to the Academy by the 

 Secretary, Professor Henry, with his letter of the 30th September, made 

 the following report : 



Professor Henry is understood to be desirous of ascertaining the opinions 

 of the scientific bodies of the country, on the subject of the proposed organ- 

 ization of the Smithsonian Institution ; and the free expression of their 

 views is wished by him. 



The interesting nature and high importance of this foundation, and the 

 novel and peculiar circumstances attending its establishment, make it highly 

 expedient, in the opinion of the committee, that every step taken in ita 

 organization should be deliberately considered. They think it no more 

 than just to express their satisfaction, that the control of the infant estab- 

 lishment has been placed in the hands of a Board of Regents of the highest 

 intelligence, respectability, and weight of character ; and in the wise selec- 

 tion made of the officers, on whom the active executive duties of the insti- 

 tution will devolve, the committee perceive a satisfactory pledge, as far as 

 they are concerned. 



Professor Henry's Programme commences with " general considerations, 

 which should serve as a guide in adopting the plan of organization." He 

 points out the nature of the bequest, as made to the United States for the 

 purpose of founding at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian 

 Institution, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge 

 among men. The bequest is, accordingly, for the benefit of mankind. The 

 Government of the United States is but a trustee to carry out this noble 

 design. Even the people of the United States are interested only so far aa 

 they constitute one of the great families of the human race. 



The objects of the Institution are twofold ; 1st, the increase, and 2d, the 

 diffusion, of knowledge, — objects which, although frequently in a vague 



