984 LETTERS ON PROGRAMME OF ORGANIZATION. 



" 1. Hesoloed, That the thanks of the Society be presented 

 to the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, for the copy 

 of the first volume of the Smithsonian Contributions to 

 Knowledge, lately received from them — a work which we 

 deem of the highest value and importance in the depart- 

 ment of knowledge to which it relates. 



" 2. JReaolced. That in the opinion of this Society, the 

 programme of the Institution submitted in connection with 

 the above-named volume, embraces a comprehensive and 

 impartial survey of the entire field of human knowledge ; 

 that, though it contains the fullest provision for promoting 

 the various departments of natural science, yet it by no 

 means neglects the cultivation of general literature, art, or 

 history, and that the plan whicli it unfolds of collecting a 

 library, of encouraging investigation and research, and pub- 

 lishing their results, is in the good judgment of this Society, 

 worthy of the approbation of the public, and of the co-op- 

 eration of literary and scientific bodies and individuals 

 throughout the country, and is in all respects suited to fur- 

 ther the " increase and diff'usion of knowledge among men," 

 the high ends had in view by the munificent founder of the 

 Institution. 



" 3. Resolved, That tbis society respectfully commends to 

 tbe consideration of the Regents, as worthy of a prominent 

 place among the subjects of their countenance and patron- 

 age, the science, statistics, and the various public interests 

 and results connected with popular education, as it is found 

 in the difi:erent countries of the civilized world. 



" 4. Hesolved, That the Secretary he requested to furnish 

 the information concerning the collections of this society, 

 which is asked for in the Circular of the Regents of the 

 Smithsonian Institution, and also to transmit to the Secre- 

 tary of that Institution a copy of the foregoing resolutions." 



The circidar and inquiries are in the hands of the appro- 

 priate officers, and the information requested will be early 

 forwarded. 



From David Elliott 



"Western Tueological Seminary, 

 Allegheny City, Penn., January 30, 1849. 

 The Programme submitted embraces a range of subjects 

 of great utility, and, as far it goes, meets m}' approbation. 

 The discussion of these various subjects, by competent per- 

 sons, and the diffusion of knowledge respecting them, can- 

 not fail to elevate the literary character of the country, and 

 add to its general intelligence. 



